Volunteer Focus Magazine Issue 14

VOLUNTEER FOCUS Together we’re making a difference

2018 ISSUE 14

Volunteering for wellbeing The positive effects of volunteering

CONSERVING OUR HERITAGE The vital conservation work that keeps history alive INSIDE: Our heroes | We did it! | Volunteers’ week | Your stories | News and more...

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WELCOME

Hello and welcome

On the cover: Event volunteers at Wrest Park If you’d like to contribute to the next edition of Volunteer Focus or if you have any feedback on this issue, we’d love to hear from you:

to another edition of Volunteer Focus.

We’ve had a busy season, and I’ve been amazed by everybody’s hard graft. A lot of work went into conservation efforts, so I decided that would be the theme for this edition’s ROUND UP (page 7).

Our PROJECT PROFILE (page 18) is on the amazing poppy sculpture we displayed at Carlisle Castle. This was a colossal undertaking, involving so many volunteers, that it simply had to be included. It also has incredible significance as we approach the centenary of the end of the First World War. Thank you to everybody who contributed to Focus this time, we really wouldn’t have such a great magazine without your enthusiasm. I’d like to mention here that you don’t have to wait for us to ask for contributions – if you already have something to share with me, do send it over.

Kayleigh Telling, Volunteer Editor

volunteer.enquiries @english-heritage.org.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk/ volunteering 0370 333 1185 If you’d like this document in a different format, please contact: 0370 333 1181 01793 414878 01793 414926 customers@english-heritage.org.uk Volunteer Editor Kayleigh Telling Editorial Coordinator Emma Valentine Designer Bronwen Reeves Client Services Julie Butterworth The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

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CONTENTS

REGULARS

F E AT U R E S

Our important conservation work

Find out what’s been happening

5 NEWS

2 6 O UR

10 NEED TO

12 W E

Antiques Roadshow comes

28 W H Y I L OVE . . .

Witley Court, through

14 OUR

32 W H Y

7 RO U N D

UP

KNOW

New youth volunteering initiatives

DID IT!

to Eltham Palace

1 8 PRO JEC T PROF IL E: C ARLIS LE POP PIES

The castle remembers World War I 2 2 NEED TO KNOW

Eltham and their beautiful tulip festival

24 YO U R

We hear from an

Volunteers’ Week 2018

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22

S TO R IES

Volunteering and mental health 30 YO U R S TO R IES

Volunteering after a stroke english-heritage.org.uk

H E RO E S

The gardening team at

16 A

DAY I N T H E L I F E

Osborne woodsman

21 L ET ’ S

G O TO. . .

A Northumbrian Jewel

H E RO E S

Wrest presents an art exhibition

the eyes of a classics student

I L OVE . . .

England’s poetry-inspiring history

NEWS All the latest news and notices from across English Heritage.

A green future for our past

O

ur volunteers play a vital role in securing the future of our historic sites. Whether it’s explaining the importance of the Iron Bridge works to visitors or working in the glasshouse at Audley End, every volunteer contributes to the amazing things we achieve.

But there’s another way that you can help English Heritage - simply by choosing green energy from Ecotricity, English Heritage’s new green energy partner.

English Heritage will receive a donation for every one of our volunteers who switches their energy supply to Ecotricity.

This will help us care for our historic sites and keep the story of England alive for future generations. You’ll also be fighting climate change, which poses a threat to some of Britain’s most cherished heritage sites.

If you’d like to look after our past and our future, visit their website or call them for free and quote English Heritage or ENGH1 when you sign up with Britain’s greenest energy company. www.ecotricity.co.uk/englishheritage 0808 123 0123

SHARE YOUR NEWS We’d love to hear from you. Volunteer Focus features content supplied by our volunteers. If you have an idea you’d like to contribute to the magazine, or wish to give us feedback, please contact volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk or call us on 01793 414752

‘Home Sweet Home’ musical score, creator and date unknown

Award winning graffiti

C

overing the walls of the 19th-century cell block at Richmond Castle are thousands of pieces of graffiti spanning several decades, including both world wars. These drawings and etchings give voice to all of those held there over the years.

A £365,400 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled us to preserve these political slogans, portraits, hymns and humour for future generations. Volunteers have been working to uncover the stories and people behind the graffiti.

Excitingly, this project was shortlisted for the 2018 National Lottery Awards in the Best Heritage Project category. At the time of writing, the results of the awards have not yet been announced, but we’d like to offer our thanks to everybody who voted, and to all of those who have been working on the conservation project.

Good luck to Richmond Castle. www.english-heritage.org.uk/richmond-castle/richmond-graffiti

Get 10% OFF at English Heritage shops and cafés with your pass or quote code EHVD18 to receive the discount in our online shop. english-heritage.org.uk 5

NEWS

Down House grows and experiments

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t Down House our evergrowing volunteer team has enabled a full replant of the Experiment Bed to take place.

On display we have Lythrum Salicaria demonstrating its three forms of flowers. These are planted along with primroses and cowslips, providing a colourful display from spring through to mid-summer. Our garden volunteers have also planted other flowers used in experiments.These experiments, amongst others, led Darwin to his ground-breaking book The Effects of Cross and Self Fertilization in the Vegetable Kingdom in 1876, and formed part of his wider thinking as to the origin of species.

A hopping good award

Our volunteers will continue to fine-tune the planting to support our volunteer-led tours which have been increased from four per week last year to six per week this year. These are certainly very exciting times, so watch this space. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ downhouse

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olunteers at Walmer Castle joined the Deal Hop Farm in an awardMark Brent winning community project to produce Deal’s very own homemade beer. The highly successful hop farming project won the award for Best Community Initiative at the Horticulture Week Custodian Awards.

Fifteen of the hops were planted at our own Walmer Castle gardens and contributed to over 75kg of hops that were harvested at the end of the project.

Mark Brent, head gardener at Walmer, said, ‘We were all blown away with the response to the project; 140 hop plants were planted in Walmer and Deal and over 300 people, including lots of our English Heritage volunteers, helped to harvest the hops in the autumn.’

Many congratulations to everybody involved in this project, who made winning this fabulous award possible.

Mount Grace is blooming

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n issue 13’s Round Up, we included a story about a colossal endeavour at Mount Grace Priory, where 27,000 bulbs were planted by garden staff and volunteers. You may remember our lovely cover image featuring some of the team. We checked back in with Mount Grace, and found that visitors were thrilled with the blooming display of plants, which you can see in the photo.

We received this lovely photo from Genevieve, our volunteer administrator at Dover Castle, of some of the volunteer team on a visit to Eltham Palace. It’s great to see different sites interacting with one another and making use of their volunteer passes.

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Your volunteer pass allows FREE ENTRY for you plus one adult to all English Heritage managed properties. Present your volunteer pass to get 10% OFF at English Heritage shops and cafés.

Quote code EHVD18 to receive the discount in our online shop.

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DAVID

Is there something exciting happening? Have you just received an award?

Have you got a new exhibition or partnership? Or do you just want to show off how great your volunteers are? Email us with your stories at volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk or call us on 01793 414752

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ROUND UP

CONSERVING OUR HERITAGE

This edition’s Round Up theme is conservation, one of the most important things that we do to preserve our heritage.

Thank you to everybody who contributed. english-heritage.org.uk 7

ROUND UP

FROM LITTLE TO LARGE A group of volunteers unite to help preserve various Northamptonshire properties, armed with vacuums and dusters. By volunteer conservationist Abbie Hofbauer.

A Previous page Kirby Hall Clockwise from below Volunteers armed with vacuum cleaners tackle Kirby Hall; Triangle Lodge; Lyddington Bede House.

GET IN TOUCH Please send us your theme ideas for the next edition’s Round Up.

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group of eight volunteers have taken up the mantle of cleaning and conserving three properties within an 11-mile radius, covering a small portion of Northamptonshire and Rutland. Firstly, the hidden gem of Tudor elegance at Kirby Hall; second, the intriguing folly that is the Triangular Lodge at Rushton; and finally, the centuries-old Lyddington Bede House.

Endeavouring to do their part, the new volunteer conservators are a varied group of people, ranging from university students and part-time workers to retired people, with a spectrum of knowledge and ability for all occasions.

The role of the volunteer is just as necessary and important as the leading conservator. Under the watchful eye of Sally Johnson, the territory conservator for the east of England, the group can learn new skills, share experiences and get to know the amazing places that English Heritage cares for.

Kirby Hall was built in 1570 by Sir Humphrey Stafford, before becoming one of Sir Christopher Hatton’s prodigy houses in 1575. By the mid to late 19th century Kirby Hall was in ruins. The remaining building needs much attention

- with its many rooms, vast ceilings and great expanses to maintain, caring for Kirby is a mammoth task but the volunteers persist willingly. They clean floors and stairwells, and sweep away cobwebs and dust, making Kirby Hall presentable for its guests to enjoy.

The Triangular Lodge, built by Sir Thomas Tresham in the grounds of his Northamptonshire country seat of Rushton Hall in 1597, is still standing within its remote green pastures. Though miniature in size and scale, work is still needed in order to maintain the interior flooring, walls and tiny windows.

Lyddington Bede House was once part of a medieval palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln. After becoming an almshouse for the ‘bedesmen,’ it then cared for the poor. It is now the mission of the volunteers to take care of the building - with its numerous rooms and small passages it has collected years’ worth of dust, spiders and bats.

Conservation is a cornerstone of English Heritage’s work. Volunteers have always played a vital role in caring for more than 400 historic buildings and monuments, gardens and landscapes and half a million artefacts.

ROUND UP

Clockwise from this image: The museum at Corbridge Roman Town; Funeral Stones; Dave Bell and Mike Nott.

CORBRIDGE REDISPLAYED The collaborative project between curatorial staff and volunteers helped document, pack, conserve and redisplay collections from Corbridge Roman Town.

T

he re-presentation project of the collection from Corbridge Roman Town and town meant the entire museum had to be reconfigured. We had to carefully remove, dismantle, reconstruct, conserve and mount individual objects.

With the project’s limited resources it was important to recruit some extra help.

It has been Volunteers were encouraged to join great to see in at every stage of my team of the process.

volunteers

The team learning Eight volunteers from Corbridge and new skills three volunteers and gaining from Helmsley have worked hard confidence over the last eight months. Unknown skills emerged. Dave Bell is now a dab hand at building trolleys for transporting large pieces of stonework. Mike Nott turned out to be excellent with a scalpel, forming bespoke storage for fragile metal

and glass objects. David Snowden skilfully removed old cement repairs on stonework to replace with more sympathetic lime mortar fills, and Jen Harris steam cleaned to remove garishly applied 1950s restoration paint on sandstone sculptures to reveal beautiful original surfaces.

The decant The volunteer team, alongside the curatorial staff, removed almost 800 objects from the museum gallery before the builders could move in and renovate the space. The work involved documenting, photographing and packaging every small find item. Large pieces of stonework were carefully moved using specialist lifting equipment.

Conservation Volunteers helped with treatments such as steam cleaning stonework to carefully remove dirt build-up. Old cement repairs were removed from stone by chisels and structural damage such as chips and cracks were stabilised with purpose-made lime mortar fills. Small finds were gently solvent cleaned to remove inappropriate numbering.

The results A huge amount of valuable work has been completed. If you visit Corbridge Museum now, the results of the team’s hard work are plain to see. Objects no longer have large numbers and the stones look their best, with the intricate carved detail visible, quartz sparkling, and ugly concrete removed to allow the Roman stones to shine.

The volunteers have been part of a project that has produced an outstanding display of a nationally important collection. We could not have completed the time consuming and delicate work without their dedication.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have been involved; Dave Bell, Jen Harris, Paul McKenna, Tony McKenna, Mike Nott, Mike Potts, Liz Pounds David Snowden, Rosie Thompson, Jayne Tulip and Vicky Wakelam. ■ PLAN YOUR VISIT Come and see the new museum and it’s displays. To find out more visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/corbridge

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NEED TO KNOW

SHOUT OUT LOUD We are excited to announce the launch of our Heritage Lottery Fund project SHOUT OUT LOUD, giving young people a voice in history and heritage.

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e are excited to announce that the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded SHOUT OUT LOUD, the English Heritage-led youth programme, funding of just under £1 million. This funding has secured English Heritage an innovative youth programme, which will last three years and provide opportunities for hundreds of young people across England. The project will be delivered in partnership with a number of organisations, including the Council For British Archaeology (Young Archaeologists’ Club), National Youth Theatre, vInspired and Sound Connections.

The project aims to attract young people (especially those aged 11-16) to become involved in fun, creative activities and discover hidden stories associated with their local communities and heritage sites.

History would be more interesting if…... ‘…I knew more about my family and my ancestors.’

SHOUT OUT LOUD aims to transform how young people interact with England’s heritage. We want to make sure that young people have a voice in telling and conserving their history and heritage. We also want to support them in recasting stories from the past in creative ways.

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What we’ve done So far, the project has been through a development phase in order to secure this funding. During this phase, we ran consultation events across England to speak to young people, created an online survey, and hosted pilot activities to give young people a taste of what our project can offer.

History would be more interesting if…... ‘…I learned how my family survived the wars’ We spoke to 307 young people across the country, who told us what history and heritage meant to them.

We found that young people wanted to uncover unsolved mysteries from the past, but also learn new skills and find out more about their local histories.

Even where some responded that they weren’t interested in history, or said they found the topic ‘boring’ at school, they often still had an interest and passion for their own past and personal heritage.

Now, with three years’ worth of activities and projects lined up, we can’t wait to get started. ■

History would be more interesting if…... ‘…the history is related to me and my background being African, or even female, if the history can be related back to today’

Quotes taken from our Youth Survey of 11-16 year olds.

History would be more interesting if…... ‘…more things focused on actual people and their way of life and how things affected them’

NEED TO KNOW

GET INVOLVED If you, or someone you know aged 11–25 thinks it’s time to SHOUT OUT LOUD about history and heritage, then we’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to get involved but don’t fit the age bracket then we’re also looking for volunteers to work with young people and support the project.

Whether you fancy taking a lead role as one of our young producers, or getting stuck into one of our local and on-site youth activities, please get in touch.

Main image Offa’s Dyke re-enactment Above SHOUT OUT LOUD poster Left Youth volunteers at Dover Castle

For information on how to get involved and a full list of opportunities, visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/supportus/volunteer/shout-out-loud or email: youthvolunteering@ english-heritage.org.uk

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WE DID IT

Antiques Roadshow comes to Eltham Palace

PLAN YOUR VISIT Experience something special and visit Eltham Palace.

For more information visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham

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I must ask Fiona Bruce for a picture – this opportunity doesn’t come along every day Norma, Eltham Palace volunteer

WE DID IT

The true value of historical artefacts is not simply financial: it is in individual stories, says visitor volunteer Rosalind KennyBirch

A An Eltham Palace volunteer team had the time of their lives helping the BBC film the Antiques Roadshow.

By meet & greet volunteer David Taylor

W

e had a briefing before the big day - there were over 40 volunteers present.

Caroline from the BBC explained what was to take place and then our supervisor Jo allocated us to two different roles – either attending a particular Roadshow Expert, or taking a ‘roving’ role covering breaks and making sure everyone had water. We were provided with superb plans showing the flow of the visitor queues around the grounds.

The day itself Starting at 8.15am, Jo gave out our individual positions for the day. Those allocated to an expert were told: ‘Give them plenty of tea and help with their queues.’ The roving stewards, including me, covered the whole site. There were 5,000 visitors; I have never seen so many people at Eltham Palace, which was breath-taking.

Main image Antiques Roadshow at Eltham Palace.

This page from top Volunteers on the day; Experts value the items brought along.

Our role We continually answered visitors’ questions – mainly as to where a particular expert was and directions to refreshments. We attended the BBC staff, telling them where things were and fast-tracking disabled visitors. Jo and Caroline were all over the site checking on things and providing guidance. None of us had done anything like this before.

Caroline was cool and collected and marshalled our efforts, and Jo seemed to be everywhere at once.

We went home tired but exhilarated. We’d helped manage 5,000 visitors, numerous BBC staff and a whole team of experts. I even managed to have two things valued. They weren’t worth much, but what a superb day.

Even the weather was perfect.

t 8.30am a woman exclaimed, ‘I’ve been travelling since 5am to get here from Surrey,’ as she rushed to the back of a very long line wending its way around Eltham Palace. The back of a long line? At 8.30am? This was the beginning of the Antiques Roadshow filming at Eltham Palace in June.

The site received a record number of visitors over the course of the day, and the Eltham Palace volunteers were eager to support the BBC team in delivering the episode. The team praised the Eltham Palace volunteers for their proactivity, willingness to help, and above all, their optimism, even at 7pm.

Volunteers helped in a variety of roles, from serving up coffee in the lounge to conversing with visitors queuing to see the experts.

Eltham Palace volunteers benefitted equally from the experience. They were exposed to rare pieces of English history throughout the day. One man saved a frieze of tiles from the last place Titanic sailors spent the night before their tragic journey.

Others carried family treasures with them, including books and jewellery that had been passed down for generations. Volunteers relished the opportunity to support the show and to connect with individuals about history at both a personal and countrywide level: many said it was the best experience they’d had volunteering at Eltham. ■ english-heritage.org.uk 13

OUR HEROES

TULIP FESTIVAL FEVER A behind the scenes diary following the garden team at Eltham Palace as they plant 40,000 tulip bulbs.

“I’ve been deliberating, and we’re going woolly hats, we imagined them all as we to have a tulip festival in the coming worked - the mixed pink Lily Flowered spring to celebrate 80 years since tulip in the Sunken Rose Garden would horticulture was at its peak,’ our Head hint at the roses to follow, Viridiflora Gardener Jane announced one bright planted in the Garden Rooms would July morning. We all agreed – yes, a tulip glow in the afternoon sun, and the festival would be a great project to fill Triumph tulips would carpet the the garden with colour in the muted Quadrant Garden in rich colour. time between the end ‘Only 10,000 bulbs to of the early spring bulbs It was a major task go after Christmas’ the and the beginning of doing the planting, garden team said to each the roses flowering. It other with soggy knees. but I was so proud would be hard work,

By January, numb but we knew that the fingers, blistered palms and thrilled to be end result would be a and aching backs were part of the result. all starting to dampen spectacular display.

The week the boxes Carmel Davidge our enthusiasm for the of bulbs arrived we festival, but the end of looked at each other, stunned. ‘How the month brought the bulb planting many are there again?’ we asked. ‘About to a finish. Sweet relief came with a 40,000,’ our gardeners, David and Helen, renewed anticipation for spring and the said in unison. None of us had ever seen blossoming of our idea. All we needed this many tulip bulbs before, but we to do was watch and wait. were already daydreaming of a sea of bright petals in the spring sunshine.

The springtime success Finally, April arrived and, right on time The winter’s work for the first day of the festival, the tulip Through November and December, buds opened. We walked the grounds we planted 30,000 tulips. Digging in and felt honoured to be part of a team cold earth, damp air beading on our that had created such stunning scenes.

We hoped too that Stephen and Virginia Courtauld would have appreciated their gardens if they were with us.

Between April and May, the site - which is usually quietly enjoyed by visitors - was suddenly filled with hundreds of people engaging with the different tulips and taking selfies amidst the riot of colour exclaiming, ‘This is so beautiful.’ Every day groups enthusiastically toured with a member of the garden team, learning about the Courtaulds’ garden or engaging in the pot display demonstrations, and left us with comments such as ‘Better than Keukenhof ’ and ‘We’ll come back again next year’.

We positively glowed with pride to be able to deliver what was a successful and enjoyable event that not only brought Eltham Palace’s history to life but also celebrated the charm of tulips.

Now the year is spinning on through the seasons and soon our minds will be turning to the coming winter’s bulb planting and all the pleasure it will bring next spring. ■

PLAN YOUR VISIT Visit next year to see a succession of bulb displays from snowdrops in February to tulips in April and May. Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham

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Main image The sunken rose garden Bottom, from left to right Linda and Bob planting the rampart steps; The rampart steps in full bloom; Volunteers Carmel and Cathy planting the herbaceous border.

OUR HEROES

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A D AY I N T H E L I F E

If You Go Down to the Woods Today...

Volunteer woodsman, Bob Hurst, tells us what it’s like to work in the hundred acres of woodland on the Osborne estate, and hopes you might be persuaded to join him.

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nother day in the life of an Osborne Volunteer - well actually, a weekend this summer when Bob Hurst, with John, Steve and Lil, all part of the woodland volunteer team, worked on various materials harvested from the woods and did their best to encourage newcomers to join them.

‘Hundred Acre Wood’ Bob is the longest serving member of the team, and has been involved in helping to manage English Heritage’s very own ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ on

the Osborne Estate for 17 years. The woods were originally laid out as typical 19th-century working woodland, principally with oak and ash trees and hazel coppice. There is a lot of silver birch (probably planted as shelter for the slower-growing oak and ash and regenerating ever since), some conifers, stands of beech, and a mixture of other trees such as holly, holm oak, field maple, alder, hawthorn, willow, and even traces of elm. Invasive sycamore, which blew in on the wind, was threatening to take over until recent years.

BE A PART OF IT Indulge your pioneer spirit and get down with nature by volunteering at Osborne woods. For more information visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ Osborne_Garden_Woodland_Volunteer

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This page, clockwise from top (L-R) John, Steve, Lil, and Bob; Bob Hurst.

Opposite page, clockwise from top Wild Garlic in the Swiss Woods; Raspberry frames near the Swiss Cottage; Spiral structure in the walled garden.

Skills are acquired by immersion in an environment which essentially hasn’t changed since the days of Victoria and Albert

A D AY I N T H E L I F E

Scrambling through the undergrowth some activities which can otherwise A typical day in the life of Bob and his go unnoticed. On any volunteer day, fellow woodland volunteers involves any whatever the season or weather (heavy one of various tasks. One of these tasks rain being the only real deterrent), Bob is removing the sycamore and thinning and the team can be found exercising out silver birch to open up the forest those skills, some brought from floor. Another is coppicing the hazel and previous occupations, some taught, and harvesting the cut material for bean some acquired by immersion in an poles, pea sticks and plant stakes, which environment which essentially hasn’t are used throughout the estate - and changed since the days of Victoria and also for rustic structures which Bob and Albert, particularly as the team still the changing team over the years have only use hand tools. Bob has built up built in the Swiss and a library of books on forestry, Walled Gardens. Some trees, timber and woodland skills, The team of the material also some dating back to the 19th have never goes to the garden at century, and notes how often Carisbrooke Castle. The failed to meet the practices developed in the team have never failed volunteers’ woodland work their annual to meet their annual mirror those of times past. The order for long, relatively team always look out for each order for straight, hazel bean poles, other, and spend at least as hazel bean which is never less than much time on working out the 200, although when best and safest way to work as poles 500 were required one they do on the task in hand. year it was an interesting challenge to The pictures accompanying this article say the least. In his scrambles through cannot convey the smell of wild garlic the undergrowth and brambles, Bob which carpets the forest floor in spring, will occasionally come across character along with primrose and dog violet. They poles which he will season and make cannot give you the cooling breeze into hiking and walking sticks, which have through the trees, the sound and sight of been sold in the Osborne shop. birds, butterflies and myriad insects (only some of which bite), the wonder of Forestry skills fascinating fungi and flora, or the feeling The two days spent displaying volunteer of tranquillity in the dappled light around skills and engaging with visitors this you, but they do show a little of the summer was fun, if exhausting (it was woodland volunteers and their work on a very hot weekend), and highlighted any given day. â–

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PROJECT PROFILE

A CENTENARY SCULPTURE As we approach the centenary of the end of the First World War, Carlisle Castle hosted a stunning reminder of the past. Kayleigh Telling explains.

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PROJECT PROFILE

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called Wave, has been touring the UK this year and stopping at many heritage sites. When the tour ends, the poppies will be permanently installed in London’s Imperial War Museum.

The sculpture was installed at Carlisle Castle from May to July. Several thousand ceramic poppies cascaded from the top of the keep, arching over the wall of the inner ward and splashing down onto the outer ward in a stunning display. Andrea Selley, Historic Properties Director of English Heritage North, said: ‘English Heritage is truly honoured to be part of this very special arts programme and particularly to be involved in the last year of the national Poppies tour. We know that the sculptures and the ethos of connecting people with the First World War will resonate with our visitors, and these 47 days with the Poppies on site will be seen as the next chapter in Carlisle’s history.’

It was a huge success, volunteers drawing in over 140,000 visitors to Carlisle Castle, which were required extra volunteers to invaluable assist with the crowds.

tanding tall over the city of the same name, Carlisle Castle has been a military fortress for over 900 years. The castle began its life as a Norman motte and bailey in 1093, during William II’s reign. It was originally built as a stronghold to help secure the border between England and Scotland.

Throughout the centuries, following many more monarchs, sieges and wars, the castle has been extended to become the sprawling compound it is today. The castle is still used by the Army Reserve.

During the First World War, Carlisle Castle was used as the headquarters for the Border Regiment of the British Army.

23,000 recruits passed through its gates to receive training for frontline combat.

It seems only fitting then that 14-18 NOW should have chosen Carlisle Castle as one of the locations to host its Weeping Window sculpture.

Our

The poppy project 14-18 NOW is a programme that aims to bring the story of the First World War to life through the arts. Since its launch in 2014 14-18 NOW has commissioned over 300 pieces of art, seen by millions of people from all around the world. 2018 is the final year of the project.

The Weeping Window sculpture,

by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, was originally conceived as part of the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation presented at the Tower of London in 2014. The sculpture, along with another PLAN YOUR VISIT Use your volunteer pass to visit Carlisle Castle.

Find out more at: www.english-heritage.org.uk/carlisle

A volunteering endeavour Recruitment for the extra volunteers was already in motion at the beginning of 2018, and the people of Carlisle and surrounding areas stepped up with enthusiasm. We received more than 100 applications to become a special ‘Carlisle Castle Poppy Volunteer’ for the duration of the sculpture’s visit.

In total, 86 volunteers were recruited, and in the first two months of the display they racked up 2225 hours of volunteering, an amazing number. John Bonner, Site Manager at Carlisle Castle, said, ‘Our volunteers were invaluable, and we’ve had so much positive feedback from visitors telling us how fantastic they have been.’ ► english-heritage.org.uk 19

PROJECT PROFILE

One of our poppy display volunteers, Robert Wickings, shares his own experience of working at Carlisle Castle during the sculpture’s visit.

O

BE A PART OF IT If you’d like join us as a Visitor Volunteer and help visitors to understand more about this incredible part of our heritage, please visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteering

n the day before the grand opening I joined a group of potential volunteers for a castle tour, courtesy of the site warden, during which we were shown the likely locations that would be manned by us.

My personal reaction to the completed sculpture was, ‘What a great feat of local engineering’.

We left filled with knowledge and provided with a uniform t-shirt to wear on the day.

My first shift was on the day after the opening. I joined 11 other volunteers, suitably dressed and sporting our smart silky sashes, telling all and sundry that we were there to help.

It became obvious right from the very start that visitors all had a similar reaction to my own - simply WOW followed by a variety of questions, some about the number of poppies installed, and quite a lot about the castle itself.

There was a great variety of visitors: Elderly people who absolutely relate to the poppies as symbols of a lost generation; families who wanted to show their children the sculpture; overseas visitors; and a surprising number of locals who had never been to the castle before.

Most of them were impressed by the views of the city from the upper walkway, and lots were also impressed with the bits of historical background that I was able to provide. The home locations of visitors were amazing, from Australia, Europe, South Africa, America, and many parts of the UK. My favourite visitor experience came one afternoon when a party of 21 ladies from South Korea came in, marshalled by their tour guide, who commented on the sculpture.

I explained the significance of the poppies, and he immediately rushed over to his group to pass on the information, which was met with many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’.

My main takeaway from this whole experience is how interesting and rewarding it was, and it’s nice to think that someone might have found my input interesting and helpful during their visit. ■ This page, clockwise from top: Volunteers at Carlisle Castle; Visitors’ reflections; The poppies from the roof.

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John Barnes describes how war and rebellion have been the trademark of Warkworth Castle’s violent past.

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NEED TO KNOW

VOLUNTEERS’

WEEK 2018 Whether you loved Volunteers’ Week 2018 or had no clue what it was, here’s an idea of what we got up to and how to get involved next year.

What is Volunteers’ Week?

Headed by volunteering organisation NCVO, Volunteers’ Week celebrates the fantastic contributions of volunteers across the UK. This is an annual event, taking place from 1-7 June. This year, #VolunteersWeek trended worldwide. It was mentioned on social media over 110,000 times with photos and quotes showcasing the role played by those who dedicate their time and efforts to volunteering in so many different ways.

The theme for this year was Volunteering For All. We in the volunteering department couldn’t agree more, and we hope to ensure our volunteer programme serves all who wish to volunteer with us, both now and in the future.

What we got up to This year, we decided to kick our celebrations for Volunteers’ Week up a notch. We wanted to make sure that we could thank as many volunteers as possible with barbecues, picnics, social media posts, and more. The central volunteering team got in touch with volunteer managers, who asked volunteers to send in any quotes, photos and stories they had about their own volunteer journey. We then took to our volunteering Twitter page and shared as many as possible. We had a fantastic response from English Heritage’s own national channels who shared our Volunteers’ Week GIF, receiving over 6,000 views.

How to get involved Volunteers’ Week is an annual event, and we’re already excited for next year. If you didn’t get a chance to get involved this year, be sure to chat to your volunteer manager or site staff about Volunteers’ Week next year. The central volunteering team are here to support you with any materials you may need, but more importantly, we just want to say thank you. Without your contributions, we could not continue to do the fascinating and inspiring work that we do. ■

22 english-heritage.org.uk

Clockwise from top John at Kenilworth; Jodie and Katherine of the volunteering department; Ros at Kenilworth; Jo at Kenilworth.

WHAT NEXT? We know that we can do even more to ensure our volunteers feel celebrated. Keep an eye out for communications from your volunteer managers next June for more information on how to get involved.

And to all of our volunteers, keep up the amazing work!

NEED TO KNOW

‘Being a historical explainer in a volunteering capacity for English Heritage has rekindled my passion for history - it is fantastic to be able to do something connected with history. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and the role in which I am in means that I get to meet so many different and interesting people from all over the world.’

Morten, Totnes Tour Guide Volunteer

‘I love history and I wanted some experience in the field. I get to talk to people about my favourite subject, give something back to the historical community of Shropshire and Staffordshire and gain work experience at the same time.’

Connie, Boscobel Room Guide Volunteer

‘I love the sense of belonging and I think the camaraderie and uniform adds to it.’

Yousif, Garden Volunteer at Eltham Palace.Volunteers with his support worker Umesh.

‘It is a wonderful feeling when you see the visitors engaged and interested in what you’re saying about the history of the site… The staff have made me feel very welcome and valued. As far as I am concerned, I’m living the dream.’

Steve, Short Talks Volunteer at Witley Court

BE A PART OF IT If you’d like to see more of what we shared across Volunteers Week, visit our Volunteering Twitter page @EHVolunteering.

english-heritage.org.uk 23

YO U R S TO R I E S

Mental Health, Volunteering & Me An honest and open view of mental health, and how volunteering can help, by events volunteer Kim Hyndes.

I

’m Kim, I’m 24, and I have anxiety and depression. On paper I’ve had these for three years, although I’m sure I’ve had it for many years. One in four of us suffer from mental illness, so with this in mind I ask: Have you ever been unable to do something because of your mental health? My answer to this was definitely yes.

I’ve volunteered on and off while growing up and somehow, until recent times, had managed to remain relatively unaffected. A change in 2015 let my confidence grow and my focus shift to my passions. I was studying an Advanced Diploma in Special Event Planning & Design, and falling more in love with events. In 2017 Wrest Park put out a

24 english-heritage.org.uk

As I’m discussing mental health I’d request for volunteer event staff, an like to mention at this point that mine opportunity that I jumped at. was alright - I was nervous but that The events team consists of four was normal, first-time nerves. The same incredible individuals, and we events nerves came along for Wrest volunteers add an At War, which despite being additional seven I forgot my second event at Wrest, people to that team. everything that was completely different, and I felt comfortable so brought a whole new set instantly and threw had been causing of challenges.

Once there and myself into everything the nerves and busy, I forgot everything that involved in the first had been causing the nerves event: St George’s enjoyed the and enjoyed the experience.

Festival. This is one of experience Fast forward one year, the the biggest events on day before I’m due to go to Wrest’s calendar and Wrest for the first day of set draws a large crowd. Part of our role is up, and anxiety rears its head. My anxiety to help maintain the safety of the visitors was sky high, stomach in knots and a throughout the event.

YO U R S TO R I E S

feeling of sickness coming in waves. I was very close to an anxiety attack. I have no idea what caused it, but that’s the nature of anxiety isn’t it? Unpredictable and irrational - why would I be anxious about going to a place I adore, working with amazing people, to put on a show and get incredible experience for my desired career path?

In the past, when I’ve had that kind of anxiety about something, a high percentage of the time I backed out or postponed. Not this year, not this me. I wasn’t going to stop myself from getting involved.

Honesty is key This is where I get brutally honest. I’d had these same anxiety issues every night throughout the event. Every day I woke up with that heavy knot in my stomach, the anxious sickness that could easily leave me curled up on the sofa at home. Yet each day I walked through the gates with a smile on my face, ready to face the world. The girl who many saw chatting away, providing a helping hand and a listening ear, all with a smile, was probably the last person they would

have looked at and thought: ‘She suffers with her mental health’ or ‘She had a panic attack this morning’. I’m open about my struggles and often speak out about mental health. I hope to help others, even just one person, realize that they are not alone, that what they experience is normal.

I speak often about my time volunteering at Wrest and how much I adore what I do, but along with that, I mention what it’s done for me as a person. My confidence has grown faster than I remember it ever growing before.

Mentally I have grown stronger too, and my self-worth has improved. I have shown to myself that even when my mental health is rocky, I can still go out and enjoy life, enjoy volunteering. Over the last few years I lacked confidence to spark up conversations, but since volunteering at Wrest I have found that it has become second nature.

Let me finish by saying that if you have considered volunteering but think you can’t do it, you can. I did.

I won’t lie and tell you it will be easy - it’s a terrifying step but it’s one worth taking. ■

Main image An event in front of Archer’s Pavillion; This page from top Kim Hyndes; Audiences at a Wrest at War event; Wrest event volunteers.

BE A PART OF IT Volunteering has been shown to improve mental health.

We encourage people of all abilities to join us and flourish.

For details about our volunteering opportunities visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteering

english-heritage.org.uk 25

OUR HEROES

A CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION Inspired by Wrest Park, artist Sally Annett breathes new life into old wallpaper.

I

t’s been a busy summer of volunteering at Wrest Park. This year, we hosted our first contemporary art exhibition by Sally Annett. Sally transformed the site with her work, which was directly inspired by our wallpaper collections. Our collections store at Wrest Park houses over 1500 wallpapers taken directly from the walls of London buildings.

Examples can be found from the everyday to the rare, from houses, schools, hospitals and shops.

Working with us, Sally spent hours looking through the collection and learning about the stories they contain.

The final exhibition, which ran from 16 June – 22 July, consisted of four installations across Wrest Park.

Sally created a range of original prints and works on paper which have been on display in the mansion and the dairy. Two large aluminium panels were also installed into the garden to bring the inside outside.

Explaining her project, Sally said, The work for ‘Systems of Philosophy – Wall(paper)s of Mind’ is a three-dimensional response to the collections of paper at Wrest. I’ve picked out the objects of most interest and beauty to use as the starting point for

26

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the new artworks. I’ve tried to be sympathetic to the collections and not impose a completely alien taste into Wrest. This project was looking to help develop regional fine art and heritage networks.’

This project gave us all a new challenge this summer, and our volunteers have risen to the occasion. They played a very important role in explaining the exhibition, and the story behind it, to our visitors, and gave over 350 hours of their time for the project. We are extremely grateful for all of the support we’ve had from our volunteer team at Wrest, who made this exhibition a great success.

‘It has been tremendous for me to work directly with the volunteers,’ Sally added. ‘Their communications with the public and myself have given me complete confidence that the work was showcased professionally and securely. On top of this, they bring their own knowledge, humour and interest to the works.’

Sally has given us a fantastic opportunity to offer our visitors something new at Wrest Park, and allowed our volunteers to take on (and conquer) a new challenge. ■

OUR HEROES

I’ve really enjoyed the exhibition and explaining it to people. There’s a light bulb moment when people understand the process of particular parts and the printing of the rose petals. I think the concepts themselves are so clever… I’ve really loved it. I’m not an artist, but I love learning about art. I’m a garden steward normally, so it’s something completely different for me and I’ve loved it. The Nan picture is my favourite and I’m going to go to Bletchley Park to see the work there.

Helen Westcott,Volunteer

FIND OUT MORE Left Artist Sally Arnett Main image Sally’s work on display in the Dairy

To learn more about Sally Annett’s work, visit: www.sallyannett.com

english-heritage.org.uk 27

WHY I LOVE ...

THE CONSERVATORY at Witley Court

Through the eyes of a classics student, short talks volunteer Melissa Noke.

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WHY I LOVE

Main image The conservatory Left Witley Court Right Milly Noke

F

rom the Medieval Period up until the fire in 1937, Witley Court went through multiple transformations. Throughout its time it grew in beauty, and even today in its ruined state it is still a sight to behold. It may be stripped of the smaller pieces of finery which once decorated its rooms, hallways and gardens, but there is still lots to be admired in the architecture that remains.

The conservatory This is particularly true of the Conservatory, also known as the Orangery, and the Perseus and Andromeda fountain. These were designed by architect Samuel Daukes, sculptor James Forsythe and garden designer William Andrewes Nesfield around the 1850s. When the Dudley family owned the house they, like previous owners before them, decided to add their own touches to their home and show off their wealth. This architecture is the primary reason why I love Witley Court as a student of classics – the ancient Greek influences of the stonework.

Looking at the columns of the Conservatory arches, we can see the floral-style capitals at the top of each of them. These are influenced by the Corinthian style from the fifth to forth Centuries BC - the more opulent style of

ancient Greek capital architecture. went on a quest to find a way This is a very fitting style for a to kill the Kraken – a mythical wealthy family, especially as the sea monster. He went to three study of classics was very popular witches who told him he had at this time. I find this link quite to find the Gorgon Medusa and exciting as similar influences can use her stare to turn the Kraken be seen in the Ionic capitals on to stone, which he did. He flew the north and south porticoes in on his winged horse Pegasus too. I also believe that these and rescued Andromeda. This has capitals give almost been portrayed The a godly connection, most recently in with multiple temples the film Clash of architecture of ancient Greece the Titans (2010), is the primary having these capitals. with some artistic Putting these details licence, much like reason together we can the fountain itself why I love see that the family which has reminded wanted a powerful many visitors I have Witley Court statement as part spoken to of of their home, something that St George and the Dragon. the everyday family home would Even with the variety of not have had, especially as the architecture that Witley Court temples of Greece were meant to possesses, the Greek influences please the gods, beings who were really stand out to me, but can be powerful by their very nature. easily overlooked. But these small snippets of ideas taken from what The fountain seems to be another world are The Perseus and Andromeda very endearing to me and what fountain sits proudly in the I love about Witley Court. ■ centre of the south garden.

Again, this has Greek influences.

The myth surrounds the rescue of Andromeda by Perseus, who PLAN YOUR VISIT Use your volunteer pass to visit Witley Court and see the conservatory.

For more information please visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/witley

english-heritage.org.uk 29

YO U R S TO R I E S

PLAN YOUR VISIT Come and experience the peace and tranquillity of the gardens at Walmer Castle. Visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/walmer

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Volunteering has positively influenced my capacity to feel ‘normal’ again, and to feel like I still have a place I can occupy

YO U R S TO R I E S

THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING AFTER A STROKE The gardening team at Walmer Castle nurture their volunteers as well as their gardens, writes Alex Broadey.

I

started volunteering at Walmer Castle Gardens in April 2016 and immediately felt part of the team.

We have a good group on a Friday, who are all very friendly, as well as the gardeners themselves, who are very pleased to have help with the necessary and perhaps more mundane things that need doing.

As I am a gardener with native wit and a bit of intelligence rather than experience or expertise I need much guidance, but this is always forthcoming.

In January this year I had a stroke - thankfully mild – and was in hospital and then a rehab unit for 2–3 weeks.

I had to let Rachel - the volunteer co-ordinator - know about it, as I was due to work that week. Within a few days I was being promised light duties whenever I was ready to return. I think the boost this gave me at the time was immeasurable.

I have worked in health care and in physio-related fields for many years so I have seen the impact of motivation on people’s recovery.

The idea that I could continue to make a contribution to the life of the gardens was so important to me. It meant that I would be able to have a regular commitment in my week and to continue to learn and advance my skills as a gardener. At Walmer Castle, I feel there is a very clear commitment to teaching and encouraging volunteers to learn new skills and develop confidence.

studies done that show the impact of A triumphant return outdoor activities, including gardening, I returned at the beginning of May on peoples’ health, whether it is a and have mixed compost, sowed physical issue or a mental illness. seeds, potted on, weighed produce I am lucky in that I have a wonderful for the tearooms, smartened up family and good friends who have many plants for sale at the Gardens also been very important these last in Bloom weekend (all of which sold), months. And to feel part of a team, to picked sweet peas and bunched be able to contribute to the garden, them for sale and dead-headed the to have a commitment, none of those roses. Our circulation and storage things can be underestimated in space is currently very compromised recovery. I know it has as we have a major The idea that positively influenced my construction project capacity in progress, so the I could continue again, andtotofeelfeel‘normal’ like possibility of there to make a I still have a place I can being a health and occupy. So thank you safety issue to have me contribution was to all of the gardening around has never been so important team at Walmer for a problem. Working being supportive in life is more difficult for my recovery. If you haven’t already, everyone and it is testament to the visit Walmer Castle gardens – they gardeners’ general good humour that have a special atmosphere of peace they just get on with it. and tranquillity which is well worth My strength is returning and while experiencing. ■ I always find it difficult to leave and go home because there is always so much to be done, I am finding that I am not so tired when I do actually leave. The timing was perfect for recovery, coming into spring and the glorious summer we had. The colder months might be more challenging, though.

I told Rachel and the team (Brian, Sarah, Lisa and head gardener Mark) in January that I would nominate them for volunteer support employer of the year if such a thing exists. Perhaps I need to create one? There have been

english-heritage.org.uk 31

YO U R S TO R I E S

England’s Inspiring History Sharon Ashton shares her poems inspired along a lane, amongst sow thistles and at the top of a tower.

I

deas for poems come to me when they will – in the middle of the night, driving though Shropshire, and once during the 2005 Ashes series. So when I began volunteering at Boscobel House over two years ago, I had no idea when, or even if, this site and nearby White Ladies Priory would inspire me, though both are rich in history and sense of place.

‘The Road to Boscobel’ It took a year of walking the lane to Boscobel before Charles II’s journey there in 1651, and the changes in the surrounding landscape since those days, somehow merged with changes in my own life to inspire a love poem.

‘White Ladies’ Six months later, on a September morning, the inspiration for the poem White Ladies came. I took our springer spaniel down the path to the priory and found the fields surrounding the ruins teeming with sow thistles. Their off-white seed heads made me think of the garments of un-dyed cloth worn by the Augustinian canonesses who once walked there (hence the name ‘White Ladies’). After researching the Priory’s history in more detail, the poem grew.

Every named prioress in the poem is recorded in archives, Margaret Sandford being the last in 1536.

All poems ©sharonashtonpoetry

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‘A Queen in the Tower’ Since gaining my volunteer pass I’ve spent a day each summer visiting one of the larger English Heritage sites. In 2016 I went to Eltham, but glorious as the palace is, no poem came from my visit.

Then last summer, on a searingly hot day, I set off for Kenilworth.

Standing alone on Leicester’s Tower, I thought of that summer in 1575 when Elizabeth I made her final visit to Kenilworth, and Robert Dudley’s lavish preparations to accommodate and entertain her. History suggests it was Dudley’s last chance to persuade her to marry him, but we will never know for certain how Elizabeth felt during that summer. The poem ‘A Queen in the Tower, or La Volta’ is the result of my attempts to imagine a queen conflicted by personal desire and duty; a queen both powerful and afraid; a queen who loved to dance.

The poem was especially well received when performed at last year’s Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, and I think this was partly because of its visceral imagery, and partly because it reminded the audience that historical figures, no matter how famous, weren’t so different to us. ►

Above Sharon Ashton Right Lane leading to Boscobel; sow thistle Following Page Queen Elizabeth at Kenilworth Castle

Historical figures, no matter how famous, weren’t so different to us Sharon’s debut novel ‘The unravelling of Michael Gilchrist’ is available now, published by Matador.

FIND OUT MORE For more information or to read more of Sharon’s poetry please visit: www.sharonashtonpoetry.com

YO U R S TO R I E S

TO THE ROAD OF BOSCOBEL I no longer climb this winding path with Charles the Second; conjure myself starved and sodden, hemmed in by yew and black oak to the horizon; sniffed out by dogs and Roundheads all the way from Worcester.

Now I walk with you and see true fields where woods used to be; fields waving lilac foamed with cow parsley, fields powdered yellow of school-day paint, fields of wheat unfolding and poppies exploding.

Now I walk with you and know where skylarks nest, and that some days, muzzy-charcoal days, I will hear them sing before I see them tremble upwards and downwards and upwards again.

Because of you, I know too that robins sing to terrify and dunnocks make the hedgerows chatter; that black birds crowding branches are rooks, but those in threes or twos or alone are crows.

You have loosed the blackbird’s sweet song from the thrush’s tangled tune for me, and shown me branches of hazel and blackthorn to make fine sticks for the journey home

WHITE LADIES I saw them this morning, beyond the hedge where rabbits forage; dancing like sow thistles to rhythms of time and wind, their soft unbleached hair loosed with each cilial sway…

Elizabeth la Zouche and Alkice de Kallerhale were there, both still longing for escape; Joan de Hugford… Alice de Harley too — still defiant of bishop and rules, four white hounds snuffling the folds of her silver brocade.

I watched them flurry through cloisters, beneath and between arches of pink sandstone carved with crosses and faces long ago blunted…

Aldith, Cecily, Agnes and Sarah, Beatrice de Dene, Margaret Corbet, Joan Fillilode and Isabel Creghton – all chanting the words of St Augustine to notes of finches scattered on branches: Qui cantat, bis orat. Qui cantat, bis orat, until Margaret Sandford closed the doors.

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YO U R S TO R I E S

A QUEEN IN THE TOWER OR: LA VOLTA From the last window of the long gallery she stares out; a late July sun kindles ripening wheat to burn the earth, its fire caught here and there by swan-rippled moat water.

Down below, their stage a dust-cloud courtyard, the Coventry Players battle for her delight — some as women, yellow wool plaits flapping at their bulging necks, as they plunge false daggers into ancient Danes.

They wear their women’s guises badly, she thinks, as her own body, laced tight within its corset, trickles warm salt poolings between her breasts – where no sun, or man, has ever lingered, she thinks, though he has often tried, and doubtless hopes still to succeed; beguiling all my ladies with his darkling eyes; pushing aside crimson hangings embroidered with my name...

She turns away from the window.

Tell the players to return another day, she says, and tell my Lord Robert we will dance la volta.

SHARE YOUR INSPIRATION Have you been inspired by your volunteer work at English Heritage?

Send your art and stories to us at: volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk

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Illustrations © Tina Amber, iStock

Sword clash and men’s women-screams climb the tower, but fade as the room behind her begins to sing with lifting silks and flirtings. Perfumes of rose, lavender and sweet bay mingle with the acrid scent of whirling evening bodies to weave her undoing, forcing her toes to point and tap the Cinque passi: Right. Left. Right. Left. Cadence — sweet, treacherous, longed-for cadence, when they will leap to each other, his right hand low on her back, his left below her breast, his right thigh beneath to turn and lift her, and in that moment release her to the music of spheres...

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