EH Volunteer Focus Issue 18

VOLUNTEER FOCUS Together we’re making a difference

2021 ISSUE 18

Marble Hill Marvels We take a look at this incredible project led by volunteers INSIDE: Project profile | We did it! | Charity update | Our heroes | News and more...

WHERE WILL YOU HOLIDAY THIS YEAR? Stay in the places where history happened www.english-heritage.org.uk/holidaycottages

10% OFF YOUR BOOKING*

ENTER YOUR VOLUNTEER DISCOUNT CODE

EHTVOL10

*Valid for stays as of the 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2022. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

For the latest bookings and COVID-19 information, please visit our website. image: Peverell’s Tower and The Sergeant Major’s House holiday cottages beneath Henry II’s Great Tower at Dover Castle, Kent.

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

WELCOME

Hello and welcome I’m Lynne. I started off volunteering as a Proofreader Volunteer and have moved into the new role of Assistant Editor Volunteer. I’ve really enjoyed reading your stories and have already learned so much about the work that you all do.

This issue is packed with interesting articles and inspiring stories. In our ROUND UP on page 8 we share just a few examples of volunteers rising to meet the challenges of the pandemic. In our SKILLS BUILDING feature on page 28, Linda Parker explains how online research for a blog helped make lockdown disappear for a while. You can find out about our talented photography volunteers – and enjoy some of the beautiful images they have captured – in the OUR HEROES article on page 30. Plus, of course, lots more.

Happy reading – and please do continue to keep in touch with us. We love hearing from you!

On the cover: The Marble Hill House garden volunteer team.

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:

Lynne Baybut, Assistant Editor Volunteer

Please note that some of the images in this issue were taken before social distancing rules.

volunteerfocus @english-heritage.org.uk www.english-heritage.org.uk/ volunteer 0370 333 1185 If you’d like this document in a different format, please contact: 0370 333 1181 customers@english-heritage.org.uk Assistant Editor Lynne Baybut Article Editor Anneka Coleman Designer Bronwen Reeves 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

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C H A R I T Y U P DAT E

8

RO U N D U P

News from the Chief Executive How volunteers have risen to the challenge of the pandemic

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P RO J E C T P RO F I L E

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N E E D TO K N OW

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P RO J E C T P RO F I L E

Marble Hill volunteers Three cheers for our volunteers Drawn from history project

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NEWS Find out what’s been happening

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WE DID IT!

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YO U R S TO R I E S

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O U R H E RO E S

North Leigh Roman Villa You’ve made my day The Affiliate Volunteer Scheme – Landguard Fort’s volunteers

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WE DID IT!

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SKILLS BUILDING

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Question time with the Darwins Keeping it alive during lockdown

O U R H E RO E S Our volunteer photographers

OV E R TO YO U We want to hear from you

C H A R I T Y U P D AT E

An update

from Kate Mavor

An overview of our amazing work and achievements.

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he past year or so has been like no other, bringing lots of challenges for English Heritage. Thanks to the amazing work of our employees and volunteers, and the support from our Members and visitors, we’re not just surviving the Covid-19 crisis but are looking to the future in a positive frame of mind. I’m very proud of how everyone has stepped up and shown such professionalism and resilience in facing up to these challenges.

Government support The good news is that we were able to usher in the new visitor season with over 60 staffed sites and around 200 free-to-enter sites open across the country. Visitor feedback has been so positive – in these difficult times, our green open spaces and historic sites have played an increasingly pivotal role in people’s lives, giving a sense of continuity and perspective as well as offering opportunities for great family days out.

Visitors with a volunteer at Boscobel House.

We’re excited that very soon, when Grant for major conservation and government guidance allows, we can building services projects across the reopen the interiors at sites, giving more country. We’ve been able to deliver opportunities for people to enjoy and projects at over 50 sites including a be inspired by our stories. major conservation project at Furness Our charity’s purpose is to care Abbey, de-vegetation works at Bishop’s for over 420 sites and half a million Waltham Palace, repairing the roofs at artefacts – and this work has continued Bolsover Castle and Castle Acre Priory, throughout the lockdowns. Thanks to continuing with major conservation an award of £12.6 million for capital works at Marble Hill and undertaking funding from the government structural repairs at through their £1.57-billion sites such as Kirby Hall.

You’re Culture Recovery Fund to help We’ve also conserved making a real cannons and guns at protect the UK’s arts, cultural and heritage institutions, we’ve difference to sites, including Tilbury been able to deliver new Fort, Pendennis and our work projects to improve the visitor Dartmouth Castles, and experience and commercial in interiors across our performance at 29 of our sites. These estate, conservation deep cleaning has include: the re-interpretation of been undertaken.

Boscobel House with a ‘Hide and Seek’ I’m very pleased that so many of theme, drawing on one of the most you are back in your volunteering roles iconic stories in English history, when and that we’re welcoming many more Charles II took refuge from Cromwell’s new faces. By giving your time, skills armies in an oak tree; the refurbishment and enthusiasm, you’re making a real of the Stonehenge café; and major difference to our work. You help us do conservation works at Clifford’s Tower so much more than would otherwise be in York. This grant has also been used possible to inspire people to enjoy our to carry out improvements in areas that rich history, as well as helping to protect would otherwise not have been possible, our heritage for future generations. ■ including refurbishing toilets at 19 properties, car park improvement GET INVOLVED works, and installing public Wi-Fi at 14 sites.

Conservation projects In October, we were awarded £2.9 million from the Heritage Stimulus

To find out about current volunteer opportunities, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteer

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

Some of the volunteers shaping the wood using Neolithic tools © Russell Sach

Volunteers in 2019 being part of the solution, not the pollution.

PICKING UP THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

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olunteers at Derwentcote Steel Furnace have been fighting dirty to make their site car park clean and welcoming.

With the support of Durham County Council, English Heritage volunteers were able to run a litter pick at Derwentcote Steel Furnace car park – removing plastic bottles, sweet wrappers, buckets and even a garden chair.

Derwentcote car park boasts a beautiful meadow and picnic area; it is now the ideal place to enjoy lunch following a visit to Derwentcote Steel Furnace.

English Heritage Monitor Volunteers will continue the hard work of our litter picking group to ensure the car park retains its new condition.

SHARE YOUR NEWS We’d love to hear from you by email at volunteerfocus@english-heritage.org.uk

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Stonehenge team shortlisted for award

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ollowing a carpentry course where volunteers learnt to use Neolithic tools, we decided to make a wooden sledge to move a four-tonne stone. Volunteers split tree trunks with wooden wedges and mallets, and shaped mortise and tenon joints using bone chisels, flint axes and adzes. During Easter 2020, we invited visitors to pull the finished sledge – 80 to 100 people were needed to move it. We ran it on halved and quartered logs, uphill, downhill, around corners and in circles. Finally, we took it off the rails and pulled it on grass – we were amazed at how well it went, and it made us rethink how the stones may have been moved. Visitors went away having had a unique experience, and our team was shortlisted for the Museums and Heritage Awards 2020.

Get 10% OFF at English Heritage shops and cafés with your pass or quote code VT467 to receive the discount in our online shop.

NEWS

A book-folding tale at Wrest Park

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n 2019 the Wrest Park volunteer team trialled the launch of a secondhand bookshop.The bookshop opened in July 2019 and donations came flooding in.The success of the project meant that donations were many and couldn’t all be housed or sold, so an idea was hatched to start crafting some items to decorate the space. A book-folding group was started and its members met to create seasonal items including pumpkins, candles and Valentine’s gifts.

The group not only helped raise funds but also became a way of getting different volunteers together for a chat. Due to Covid-19 we haven’t been able to meet since last year so instead we have started Zoom workshops.

Volunteers from all the teams are involved and have appreciated getting to know each other more and learning new skills.

The book-folding team at Wrest Park.

VOLUNTEERS OFFER A HELPING PAW

Get 10% OFF your stay at an English Heritage holiday cottage.

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Use discount code EHTVOL10 when you book online or call 0370 333 1187.

e are delighted to announce new volunteer programmes at our sites and properties in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Whether you would like to lead spotlight talks, meet and greet our many visitors or help care for our monuments, there’s a role in Berwick for you.

And, with nine volunteers having already been inducted,

there’s no better time to join the friendly team.

Even some of our four-legged friends have been lending a paw to help keep the ramparts looking their best. Find out more at: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/berwick-upon-tweedbarracks-and-main-guard

Volunteer Pass

DON’T FORGET

Two new additions to the Berwick-Upon-Tweed volunteering team.

Your volunteer pass allows FREE ENTRY for you plus one adult to all English Heritage managed properties. To book your visit online quote code EHT2021.

Present your volunteer pass to get 10% OFF at English Heritage shops and cafés. Quote code VT467 to receive the discount in our online shop. english-heritage.org.uk 7

ROUND UP

RISING TO THE

CHALLENGE

All over the country our amazing volunteers have adapted to the challenge of lockdowns and Covid-19.

Here are just a few of the stories of teams who have pulled together through this turbulent time.

BE PART OF IT We’ve expanded the opportunities to volunteer from home.

To find out how you can get involved visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/volunteer

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E XPERT C ARE

Main image Apsley volunteer visit to Stratfield, August 2019 Far left Carlisle Castle Left Carving at Carlisle Castle Above Volunteer Julie Barnett at Apsley House

QUALITY TIME WITH VISITORS AND LECTURES ONLINE

WELCOMING VISITORS BACK WITH CUMBRIAN CHARM

Apsley House, London

Carlisle Castle, Cumbria

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e are lucky to be able to welcome back so many of our loyal volunteers at Apsley House.

Despite the restrictions we have had a good number of visitors. The volunteers have been able to spend more time with our visitors, allowing them to expand upon the stories about the Duke of Wellington and his art collections, as well as the history of the house itself. Many visitors have expressed their delight in this approach.

During this year, we have also expanded on our online activities at Apsley House with a series of regular lectures by curators and conservators from other sites.

Volunteers The volunteers are have been contributing with talks on a favourite able to subject of theirs. In addition to this, both spend more staff and volunteers time with are contributing to our visitors our new blog with material related to our two properties, Apsley House and Wellington Arch. It is with great satisfaction that we’ve been able to increase our body of knowledge despite the pandemic.

Much of this is thanks to our volunteers.

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uring the summer of 2020, volunteers and staff worked together to ensure Carlisle Castle could reopen in a Covid-secure way. The site was already partnered with Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life to offer a joint ticket for visitors, and volunteers returned to meetand-greet the public as they re-entered for the first time following the spring lockdown.

Brian Dobie, a visitor volunteer, helped families safely navigate the site and brought a little historical intrigue to their visit. Having used the lockdown to familiarise himself with the history of the castle, from the bemusing location of cannons to Anglo-Scottish wars, Brian thought he had it all covered. That was, of course, until one curious visitor asked the biggest question of all: ‘Where’s the dragon?’

Brian has now turned his hand to researching the castle’s most mysterious inhabitant and can confidently confirm that it sleeps in a nest on the roof and can be very bad tempered if awoken. If you are brave enough, you can jump on the trapdoor in the great hall and you might just hear a rumble...

‘The friendliest English Heritage site in the country’ according to one enthused visitor, it is the volunteers and staff who give Carlisle Castle a charm like no other. ► english-heritage.org.uk 9

ROUND UP

REOPENING IN THE NEW WORLD Pendennis Castle, Cornwall

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he site reopened on 4th July, following a huge amount of planning, risk assessments and with a vast amount of PPE. Our visitor numbers were strictly limited to just 390 pre-booked tickets, but the workload for staff and volunteers increased immensely.

Our volunteers went from being the person in the castle you had a bit of a chat to, to full-blown tour guides, leading groups through the castle keep on a one-way system and giving half-hour tours.

The logistics of moving 390 people in groups of ten through the castle are immense, and its success is testimony to the skill and dedication of the volunteers and staff involved. This super-enhanced visitor experience has proved so popular that in non-Covid operations this offer is something we will continue with. Apparently it is also good for weight loss.

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The workload for staff and volunteers increased immensely This page Main image Peter Wilson with visitors at Pendennis Castle Top left Steve Tribe helping a visitor Bottom left Sarah and David at Pendennis Castle Opposite page Main image Visitor at Osborne Inset Osborne visitor volunteers Sue and Vicky

ROUND UP

THE RETURN OF OUR VISITOR VOLUNTEERS Osborne, Isle of Wight

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ur volunteers have made an incredible difference: they have welcomed visitors back with a warm smile and helped them rediscover and explore the grounds at Osborne. One example of rediscovery has been their ability to signpost visitors to the Osborne reservoir. This was originally built to supply water to the fountains on the terraces and today it is a tranquil and cool spot for visitors to walk around and view the koi carp. There are also two squirrel ladders made by a garden volunteer, to aid the rescue of any red squirrels that may unfortunately fall in.

The garden proved to be a very popular spot for visitors to enjoy the peace and beauty of the flowers,

hops and lemons, including those found in the original glass greenhouse.

Our volunteers have been asking the visitors to look out for the three little topiary pigs that live in the original red brick piggery. Our younger visitors love hearing about the squirrel ladders and the pigs and enjoy seeking them out.

THANK YOU

Our wonderful team Since reopening and despite the challenges and restrictions in place, the visitor volunteer team at Osborne have done an amazing job in delivering a firstrate visitor experience and have enjoyed adapting their role by volunteering in the outdoors at Osborne. ■

We thank everyone for their support, whether you have been able to come and volunteer or haven’t been able to re-join us yet. As ever, you have shown incredible dedication to your roles and to English Heritage. We look forward to better times ahead and welcoming you all back this season.

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WE DID IT!

PLAN YOUR VISIT You can find out more about this free-to-enter site by visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/north-leigh-roman-villa

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WE DID IT!

UNLOCKING OUR

MOSAIC Matthew Lee explains how North Leigh Roman Villa volunteers brought a mosaic out of its 30-year lockdown in the summer of 2020.

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orth Leigh is one of the largest courtyard villas to survive from Roman Britain. Its beautiful fourth-century mosaic was opened to visitors last summer thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.

A new group of volunteers formed at North Leigh in the summer of 2019 with the simple aim of safely helping more people to enjoy the villa’s mosaic, which has been protected by English Heritage but locked away for the past three decades.

Making the most of our Roman mosaic 2020 was quite a year for the North Leigh Roman Villa volunteers to try to get a full season of mosaic openings up and running. Perhaps it was a good thing we were so inexperienced, as often we didn’t know what we didn’t know, so not much has daunted us (so far).

A Covid-secure venue As restrictions started to ease in July, English Heritage applied their Covid safety risk assessment to our site, turning it into a ‘Covid-secure venue’ – we still called it ‘the villa’. We quickly agreed a simple system for access to the mosaics: household groups in timed slots, using numbered raffle tickets to control admissions.

A rehearsal on site gave our team of volunteers confidence it could all work.

Even when it was announced that face masks would be required inside buildings, with barely a week’s notice before our

first opening, we were able to spread the word on social media and, with English Heritage’s help, via the website and posters on site.

sense of community spirit in caring for the history on our doorstep.

The experience will stay with me for a long time.’

Libations to the weather gods worked We were very fortunate with the weather: every one of our three open weekends, and handful of special openings for local primary schools and clubs and societies, were sunny and dry.

So at least the libations to the weather gods worked.

We were delighted that safe arrangements allowed some of our ‘Friends of the Villa’ to join volunteers in the mosaic cleaning on our final open weekend. Visitors found this mosaic deep-clean fascinating.

Achievements The results achieved by our group of two dozen volunteers speak for themselves: ■ more than 1,250 people saw the mosaics in 2020 (nearly double 2019’s total); ■ donations were up six-fold on 2019 to nearly £950; ■ our ‘Friends of the Villa’ membership increased by 50% to over 150; ■ in spite of adhering to Covid restrictions volunteering hours on site were up five-fold on 2019.

Feedback from visitors We were encouraged by the feedback from visitors.

‘This is one of the most safe and well-thought-out set of procedures I have met since this virus situation began so have every confidence all will go well.

Thank you for your hard work on this.’

‘The clean-up days were brilliantly organised with details sent beforehand and friendly support and information given at the time. Volunteers organising the days were brilliant. I greatly admire their enthusiasm and initiative and the meticulous care they took especially over Covid precautions whilst still retaining a friendly and inviting environment. There was a good

There were several firsts for the volunteers in our first full year: ■ a volunteer-developed leaflet for the site was well-received; ■ conservation in action involved ‘Friends of the Villa’ not just volunteers on site; ■ handling Roman artefacts proved popular with primary school children.

But our strongest abiding impression is of how happy everyone was – visitors and volunteers, young, old and those in between – enjoying a beautiful and fascinating site in fine weather.

Happiness was in short supply in 2020 and we helped to provide some, while reaping a little ourselves. ►

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WE DID IT!

THE SITE AND ITS LOCAL IMPORTANCE A brief history of the site – a survival from Oxfordshire’s earliest ‘gated community’.

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orth Leigh Roman Villa is Well-connected in West Oxfordshire, lying After the Romans arrived in southern between Witney in the west England in the 1st century AD, the area and Oxford to the east. Originally was already sufficiently important that it was one of a remarkable cluster Akeman Street was diverted north of at least seven Romano-British to pass through the extensive but villas surrounded by Grim’s Ditch, indefensible enclosed site. This allowed close to what became its residents access to Akeman Street. The name the prosperous towns of Grim’s Ditch (or elsewhere When the Verulamium (St Albans) Devil’s Dyke) is a later in the east, as well as Roman Anglo-Saxon label stuck Cirencester to the west. forces left, on a number of surviving In addition, tributaries of earthworks which these the Thames connected access to Germanic invaders found the site by river directly to international London (another Roman spooky and mysterious.

North Oxfordshire’s introduction that has stood markets Grim’s Ditch has recently the test of time). Since disappeared the 18th century at least been described as an enigma. More fancifully seven villa sites have been with them. you might think of it as unearthed in the immediate Oxfordshire’s earliest vicinity. North Leigh is the ‘gated community’. In the very late largest, most accessible and best preserved.

Iron Age, as the Romans spread across Gaul to the north coast of A Roman monument modern-day France, it appears some to international trade wealthy clans of the Celtic Dobunni If Hadrian’s Wall embodies Roman tribe (whose base was near military might and engineering prowess, Cirencester) enclosed a substantial then North Leigh is a monument to area of fertile, well-watered land international trade. The villa expanded along the river Windrush. and was continually redeveloped over at

least 300 years, as profits grew from wool and woven cloth. The birrus britannicus (resembling a monk’s habit) was exported all across the empire. When the Roman forces left, access to international markets disappeared with them. The villa’s economy collapsed and there is evidence of its last inhabitants building fires directly on the mosaic floors and crudely partitioning some of its grandest rooms. However, the sheep (and the shears) the Romans introduced survived, as did the edible Roman snails you still find on the site today. The ‘Cotswold lion’ breed of sheep was the basis for vast mediaeval wealth across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, when European markets once more became accessible to our wool merchants. This integral part of mediaeval English culture was a direct survival from Britain’s Roman past.

It is no accident that North Leigh Roman Villa is to this day a tranquil spot – it thrived on peace and the trade made possible by the Pax Romana. Once conflict returned the villa site was abandoned. ■ Previous page and background image The mosaic © David Parry This page, left to right Children help clean the mosaic; The Roman villa with mosaic room in the background © Historic England; Making the site Covid safe © Bryon Russell.

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YO U R S TO R I E S

YOU’VE MADE MY DAY The previous article on North Leigh Roman Villa celebrates the achievements of the project but here we share the story of a volunteer who’s benefited from his role in a very personal way.

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ny explainer volunteer would be delighted to be told, ‘You’ve made my day’ by a visitor. But for John (not his real name) at North Leigh Roman Villa recently, the words carried a particular significance which reaches to the very heart of the volunteering experience.

Challenging times John self-identifies as being affected

by Asperger’s Syndrome, sometimes referred to as high-functioning autism.

He is educated to post-graduate level and for many years pursued a successful teaching career, characterised by a deep knowledge of his subject and a wellorganised and methodical approach: both are common traits in those affected by Asperger’s. However, John experienced what he called an ‘autistic meltdown’, which brought to the fore the negative side of the condition – in his words, ‘a profound social deficit’.

For John, this deficit manifested itself as a sense of loneliness and social isolation, which in turn gave him deep self-doubt, and a periodic sense of ‘utter worthlessness as a human being’.

Sharing expertise By happy coincidence, John was able to involve himself in the North Leigh Roman Villa volunteers group soon after its inception. Here, his detailed knowledge of British archaeology and of the villa and his extensive awareness of the local landscape and of its prehistoric

and Roman sites, were soon recognised and appreciated. He undertook the authorship of materials for the rest of the group, synthesising current knowledge of the villa and making it accessible for other volunteers to present to visitors.

A positive realisation Come the three summer weekend openings of the villa hosted by the group, John was on the front line as the remains received over 150 visitors each day. He found himself explaining every aspect of the site, and answering a myriad of questions from visitors, all with a tireless enthusiasm. In the course of these conversations – and here is the magic wrought by the volunteering experience – John became aware that on occasions he was, in his words, ‘transcending a purely transactional imparting of information to move into an authentic connection with another person’.

John recalls that visitors seemed genuinely engaged with their experience on the site. John shared that the boost to his ‘self-confidence and sense of self-worth was immeasurable, transformational even’.

He said that, for the first time, he was able to accept at face value the appreciation of others as a genuine expression of their regard for him as a human being and that he suddenly felt valued for who he is, rather than for what he does. So that he could equally have responded to that grateful visitor...

‘You’ve made my day’. ■

GET IN TOUCH Has volunteering improved your wellbeing? We’d love to share your story.

Get in touch at volunteerfocus@english-heritage.org.uk

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OUR HEROES

Team work Katie Chown helps us celebrate the amazing community engagement and contribution made by affiliate volunteer group, Landguard Fort Trust.

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he Landguard Fort Trust has been and was updated in Victorian times. It a partner of English Heritage for was manned through both World Wars more than twenty years and they and, in 1951, part of it was converted joined the Affiliate Volunteer Scheme into a ‘Cold War’ control room. The fort four years ago. This scheme was created was disarmed and closed in 1956. to help us support and recognise local partner organisations who care for The amazing contribution English Heritage sites on our behalf.

In the year to March 2020 the fort There are 22 organisations currently volunteers contributed an incredible signed up to the scheme.

13,314 volunteer hours, roughly the The fort is managed by Landguard equivalent of eight full-time employees.

They provided visitor operations Fort Trust, a charity – welcoming visitors, running the with one full-time What the tearoom and shop, guided tours and one part-time volunteers and events, cleaning, managing member of staff, and health and safety, marketing, an active volunteer achieve, and fundraising, organising archives, force of about 65. The the time and book keeping and providing fort is usually open a financial overview. They also daily from April to commitment reduce costs by carrying out October, and has over routine maintenance that 25,000 visitors annually they give, is in more normal times. otherwise would need to be simply amazing done by contractors.

The site’s significance The fort defended the approach to Community engagement Harwich Harbour, Suffolk, and it is English Heritage is committed to placing our sites at the heart of local the site of the last opposed seaborne communities. Access to this fascinating invasion of England, when the Royal site wouldn’t be possible without the Marines, in their first land battle, large volunteer effort. The fort’s general repulsed a Dutch attack in 1667. The current fort dates from the 18th century manager, Nicola Barker, is bowled over by PLAN YOUR VISIT Landguard Fort is open to the public from April to October. For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/landguard-fort

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the community’s commitment to opening the fort and the pride the volunteers take in their role. She says, ‘What the volunteers achieve, and the time and commitment they give is simply amazing. Without them Landguard Fort wouldn’t function.’

And the volunteers enjoy it too: ‘I feel that we’re a part of the history of the fort by looking after it, keeping important history alive for future generations. Plus I love working with wonderful people having a great laugh. It’s just an amazing place to be.’ ■

OUR HEROES

Main image The volunteer team at Landguard Fort Right An aerial view of the fort

We would like to thank the team for all that they do. english-heritage.org.uk 17

PROJECT PROFILE

MARBLE HILL

MARVELS

Marble Hill is being revived and at the heart are a new team of volunteers.

Rachel Morrison, Audience Development Manager, looks back at all the volunteer team’s achievements so far.

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n December 2019 work finally commenced on the 66 acres of Marble Hill Park, within which stands one of the greatest examples of a Palladian Georgian villa. Built as the home of Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk and mistress to King George II, Marble Hill House sits on the picturesque Thames riverfront. The site boasts an ice house and a grotto, and has a number of sports facilities, from football pitches to cricket nets.

Marble Hill is not only a historic masterpiece but also a place of abundant nature, and is loved by the whole community as if it were their own garden.

The project The £6 million investment will transform the site and safeguard its history by ensuring that the house is restored and open, for free, for five days a week. The project will also revive the landscape and improve the facilities across the park.

A new café will help support the running of the house, and the creation of an additional history-inspired children’s play area will be a wonderful new draw for people.

It has been a delight to start to welcome more volunteers to the team, and their involvement and commitment has breathed new life into the site.

It all started in the kitchen garden Since 2016, Marble Hill has been blessed with a dedicated kitchen garden team who, with the Environment Trust, have created an allotment space. They have nurtured vegetables and inspired children to learn more about sustainability and nature, provided a space for art, and picnics areas for disabled users. During the pandemic our knowledgeable volunteers kept the area watered and it yielded an amazing crop of vegetables for a weekly Marble Hill Veg Shop. This year we hope the produce will provide the best local soup around. ► 18 english-heritage.org.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

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PROJECT PROFILE

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2 Our first intrepid garden volunteers On a cold day in December our first two intrepid garden volunteers, Joanne and Zoe, came to site. Since that day, Kate Slack (Marble Hill’s Head Gardener) and Jack Morris, our brilliant horticultural apprentice, have created a beautiful tool shed. We have also cleared four woodland quarters of ivy, planted trees, shrubs and 4,000 bulbs, and begun the improvements that will ensure a rich biodiverse area at Marble Hill for years to come. The effort and friendships that have sprung up have been a joy to watch. Many volunteers joined with the wider community on our planting and clearing days as we invited the public to get involved in the project.

The garden volunteers have also been involved in researching the heritage plants that we are putting onto site. Volunteers produce weekly articles which are published in the Twickenham and Richmond Tribune.

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3 In the words of volunteer Emma – ‘It has been such a joy to volunteer with the garden team at Marble Hill. I have learned so much and had a lot of fun working alongside so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable people. I am looking forward to returning and seeing the park transform over the coming years.’

Events and admin marvels December also saw the introduction of the event volunteers who have helped with four garden community participation days, our extremely successful Arts in the Park series and, most recently, Community Carols. The team have followed governmental guidelines and adapted the way they work, such as the set-up of the events arena and implementing tracking and tracing of attendees.

We have been blessed with people who have turned their hand to volunteer with admin, creation of documents and even the physical delivery of hundreds of newsletters.

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Through this vital work we are helping acknowledge those who have never been remembered or commemorated locally before

PROJECT PROFILE

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Moving meadows July saw the volunteers help create the ‘moving meadows’ project. We worked with the National Trust’s Ham House to reap the meadows, transport the ‘green hay’ over the Thames on the local ferry and then lay it across our wildflower meadow area.

Our aim was to diversify the wildflower meadow species and bring attention to the importance of these habitats. Volunteers also helped us give out 400 packets of wildflower meadow seed to help make people more aware of the plight of many meadows, across London in particular, and how we were trying to help ours by working with local partners.

A project that explored more than we thought Nine research volunteers took up the challenge to explore more about wartime Marble Hill and the role that it played in servicing the community, as it does today. From previous research we knew the parkland had been divided up to ensure there were allotments for the local community, and from a Historic England paper we knew about an ‘unidentified structure’ from an aerial shot of the park from the Second World War. Having explored the local records we understood there was a book of 897 names from the community who FIND OUT MORE To find out more about the project visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/marble-hill-revived

had fallen in service that we aimed to remember across armistice with a poppy for each. Intrepid forensic volunteers created a fascinating exhibition exploring the fallen from the area, local memories of those who still remembered the allotments and information about the mystery structure which turned out to be an air-raid shelter that sheltered over 300 people. The volunteers learnt more about the locations that the five bombs fell in and we shared that information with visitors while they explored. In addition, all 897 poppies, one for each of the fallen, were put up by 25 volunteers, creating beautiful artistic sculptures and a visual reminder about the lives that were lost. One volunteer, however, wanted to explore more about these names and has since found that there were far more than those detailed in the memorial book which is the borough’s authority. Roger has since found from further records that in fact there were over 3,000 deaths from our area across the World Wars.

Through this work we are helping acknowledge those who have never been remembered or commemorated locally before.

Restoring Henrietta Howard’s orchard Last November volunteers helped us plant the orchard to help restore Henrietta Howard’s former garden. This was a real joy given that the trees, along with thousands of shrubs and plants, were bought just before the first lockdown and kept alive by diligent rangers and the site team. The orchard planting felt a very symbolic and momentous part of the first year of the project and our first year of having volunteers at Marble Hill.

Images Previous pages Marble Hill house © Historic England, Skyscan Balloon Photography These pages 1. Diane Mills 2. Graham Mills 3. Tending to the spring bulbs 4. Joanne Song hard at work 5. Henrietta Howard © Historic England 6. Andy Oakley, Kate Slack and Rena Butterwick.

Volunteers at the heart of the project After just a year, despite a global pandemic, we now work with 67 volunteers who regularly bring their diverse gifts to the site, from carving pumpkins for Halloween trails to supporting the ecology of the site. This, however, is just the start of the everincreasing volunteer team as we will need volunteers to welcome people into the house, give tours, work on our extensive education projects, help with the house conservation team and help work with the ecological conservation on site, to name just a few volunteer areas of growth. We look forward to welcoming more people to the team to bring their talents to Marble Hill and enrich its daily life.

We have been delighted to see just how integral the volunteers have become, in such a short time, to the success of the site and how important they now are in the Marble Hill family and, indeed, to Marble Hill’s future. Thank you to all involved. ■ english-heritage.org.uk 21

NEED TO KNOW

THREE CHEERS for our volunteers

Suzanne Wilkinson speaks to Historic Properties Director Kate Logan about volunteer involvement.

W

ho better to ask about volunteering than our very own Kate Logan, who created and managed the first volunteering team, before becoming Stonehenge Director. She’s had firsthand experience of the value and commitment of volunteers, which will be particularly relevant for her latest role as Historic Properties Director.

As Historic Properties Director, you’re involved with staff and volunteers, as well as caring for and managing our sites. How will volunteers feature in your plans?

I cannot stress enough how important volunteers are to the organisation.

Without them, our visitors would have far less access to our properties and collections. Volunteers play a very

The Neolithic Houses at Stonehenge

22 english-heritage.org.uk

important role at our properties in all sorts of ways – by welcoming visitors, telling stories, maintaining our beautiful gardens and helping to bring history to life. It’s encouraging that we now have over 3,000 volunteers.

Going forward, I believe communication is key. I want to keep volunteers informed and give them a real sense of how their time contributes to the sustainability of our charity.

What is most significant in making volunteering successful?

Recognising that volunteering is a two-way process. Both the volunteer and staff members contribute to each other’s development and we need to support that. We ask volunteers about their interests and what skills they’d like to develop. Our staff members

Kate Logan

also write detailed role descriptions for each position so that we can deploy volunteers strategically. If we meet their wishes and give sufficient training then they are more likely to stay.

I have an innate love of history, as do many volunteers, but one of my first initiatives was to involve children who don’t share our passion. School Discovery Visits, with their interactive, hands-on and immersive experiences, bring history alive for youngsters, whether that’s grinding flour, loom weaving or foraging. Volunteers, who are happy to share their knowledge,

NEED TO KNOW

A Discovery Visit at Down House

are a great asset in making the tours more meaningful.

Volunteer expectations have evolved and so have our opportunities. Whether it’s being part of an events team or as a photography volunteer, we want volunteers to feel confident and happy.

Who wouldn’t enjoy caring for tactile and affectionate donkeys in the Carisbrooke Castle stables or protecting ancient monuments as a Monitor Volunteer?

You also managed one of the largest local volunteer programmes as Stonehenge Director. How has that influenced you?

We introduced a raft of never-beforeattempted volunteer experiences.

Specially trained volunteers built Neolithic houses on the foundations of 4,500-year-old houses. We called it ‘experimental archaeology’ which is English Heritage speak for ‘work it out as you go along!’

One of the things I loved most about the volunteering programme at Stonehenge was that the volunteers became Neolithic experts in their own rights. They have built up a wealth of knowledge and skills which enriches the experience for our visitors, and spreads the word about this iconic monument.

How can you help volunteers connect with the charity rather than their individual sites?

When volunteers are truly engaged on site their impact is amplified. To give you

an example - last week at Marble Hill House, despite torrential downpours, I got a real buzz meeting volunteers, who were so enthusiastic, because they were committed and united. If you can harness that energy, then the volunteers themselves become amazing advocates for the wider charity.

Those of us on the Senior Management Team have an additional opportunity to reconnect with volunteers, nationwide, through the annual engagement I cannot stress sessions. enough how This gives volunteers an important opportunity to volunteers have their say and for me to are to the keep an ear to organisation the ground.

What would you say to those who are thinking about volunteering?

Don’t hold back. Thanks to social media it’s easier than ever to get involved.

We ‘buddy up’ new volunteers so that they don’t feel lost; it’s a great way to add another facet to your life and experience a new challenge, if that’s what you want.

Caring for Donkeys at Carisbrooke Castle

Apart from reduced footfall, how else has the pandemic affected you?

Many staff have been furloughed, but we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes and new initiatives such as the Hide and Seek-themed project at Boscobel House is now ready. With pent up demand and staycations increasingly likely, we’re feeling positive about the future.

What makes you proud to be associated with English Heritage?

On a personal level I’m proud to be working with such committed people.

As a charity, we all want to leave a positive legacy, whether that’s through volunteering, visitor donations or philanthropic gifts.

Anything else you would like to say?

Thank you to all the volunteers, we really could not do without you.

You help us tell England’s story and are wonderful advocates. Ironically, one of the first volunteers I recruited 15 years ago, contacted me recently to congratulate me on my promotion.

Volunteers like Diane are the lifeblood of English Heritage. ■

FIND OUT MORE For more information about English Heritage’s Senior Management Team visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/our-people

english-heritage.org.uk 23

WE DID IT!

QUESTION TIME with the Darwins

Down House education volunteers Gill and David Edwards explain how they were able to bring Charles and Emma Darwin into classrooms via Zoom.

FIND OUT MORE To find out more about how schools can pilot a digital session please contact our bookings team at bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk

24 english-heritage.org.uk

WE DID IT!

W

e have been volunteering at Down House, The Home of Charles Darwin, for 18 months. We are house volunteers and also facilitate the Discovery Visit ‘Darwin’s Daring Discoveries’ for primary school children.

Adjusting to lockdown In March, we were disappointed when group visits were cancelled due to the pandemic, but delighted when the house reopened to visitors. In September, several school groups returned to Down House on self-led visits, but most were still anxious about returning and some were asking if we offered any virtual engagement options. So, we had discussions with Lucie Tuck-Brown, South Territory Education Officer, and Bryony Blackburn, Site Manager, on ways to engage and support schools during these challenging times. Since then, we have successfully taken part in delivering pilot virtual Q&A sessions to school groups in character and as English Heritage volunteers, covering various themes, sometimes supported with a screen shared presentation or videos.

As we deliver Discovery Visits and volunteer in the house, we already knew a lot about Charles Darwin and Down House and felt comfortable to take this challenge on.

An array of questions Supported by Lucie, we have been able to take part in various virtual engagement pilot sessions. The children’s questions have been very varied: asking about Darwin’s life on HMS Beagle, his favourite pet and how he felt after publishing his controversial theories. There were also challenging questions – ‘Did Darwin believe he was a disappointment to his father?’ To be able to answer these Gill and I have done lots of reading and found The Darwin Correspondence Project based at Cambridge University very informative and useful.

Lucie shares the benefit: ‘Gill and David are retired teachers and passionate about history. I was keen to foster this infectious enthusiasm and we got to work to ensure we were responding to schools’ requests in this difficult time. They are a real asset to the volunteering team at Down House and help to bring the history to life.’

The sessions were a success We thoroughly enjoy these sessions and it’s great to have found a way to be working with children again. The schools who we have worked with so far have been just as enthusiastic and we have received some great feedback, such as ‘It was nice to allow the children the questions that they really wanted to know, the length and depth of answers was perfect for this age group’, ‘We wouldn’t hesitate to book a visit to Down House and Zoom calls if they continue after lockdown’ and ‘This has been one of the best things that we have done so far this year.’

Reaching a wider audience It will be really lovely when school parties visit Down again, but perhaps Zoom will provide a way for schools across the country to learn more about Charles Darwin and his home at Down.

In fact, we have just done a Zoom session with a school in Cornwall. I wonder where the next one will be. ■

Gill Edwards

David Edwards

It’s great to have found a way to be working with children again

Bryony Blackburn, Site Manager I was delighted to hear that Gill and David were happy to provide sessions to schools virtually. It’s been such a difficult year for the site with the lack of engagement with children who usually fill our corridors with life and energy. It’s been fantastic to hear the feedback from these sessions and all the different questions that are being asked. This type of session really

is giving children the opportunity to engage with important figures in history first hand. It has certainly made us think about how we can continue to develop the education programme at Down House. We are so lucky to have volunteers like Gill and David who are so passionate about their site. I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings.

english-heritage.org.uk 25

PROJECT PROFILE

Drawn from history Lorna Batty, Interpretation Manager for Shout Out Loud, shares the results of a special project between young volunteers and emerging artists.

B

ack in November 2020 Shout Out Loud, English Heritage’s youth engagement team, began a new project called ‘Drawn from History’.

Usually the team work with young people outside of the organisation, engaging them with history and heritage in fun and meaningful ways, but the aim of this project was to highlight the brilliant work of the young people within English Heritage: raising their voices and celebrating their experiences through the commissioning of some exciting new illustrations.

Volunteer call out We began by putting a call out for volunteers aged 18-25 to share their favourite stories connected to our sites and their experiences of volunteering. Ten volunteers came forward from sites all across the country, from Bolsover and Beeston to Kenwood and Wrest Park.

Meanwhile a select panel from the Shout Out Loud Young Producers, our in-house steering group of young people, worked together to select four talented young artists to turn these stories into artworks.

I absolutely love it and think it captures everything perfectly.

I can’t wait to show everyone!

Scott Ray, Battle Abbey

Working together Over the course of several weeks, each volunteer met with an artist to brief them on what they would like to see in their illustration. For some it was about sharing the joy of volunteering and the skills they have learnt; for others, the focus was on highlighting lesser-told stories, a key part of Shout Out Loud’s mission.

Each volunteer then worked with their artist over a number of weeks to shape the final image.

New illustrations The results are fantastic – ten bright and bold illustrations that brilliantly capture the spirit of volunteering at English Heritage sites, plus our many and varied stories. Each participant has now received a framed print as a memento of their time on the project and the team would like to give a huge thank you to all the volunteers.

Look out for the illustrations in recruitment campaigns later this year as we use them to encourage more young people to get into volunteering.

As volunteer Sam Adams says, ‘I really enjoy volunteering at Wrest Park because it is like no other opportunity around. It has made me passionate about changing the stereotypes surrounding the heritage sector and English Heritage properties...heritage isn’t just for older people – it’s for everyone.’ ■ 26 english-heritage.org.uk

PROJECT PROFILE

4

1

2

1. Battle Abbey by Lauren Marsden Lauren worked with volunteer Scott Ray to illustrate his experiences of delivering guided tours at Battle Abbey.

3

2. Dido Belle by Chanté Timothy Kenwood volunteer Anne Moorhouse worked with artist Chanté to highlight the story of Dido Belle, who lived there.

3. Beeston Roundhouse by Laura Buckell Polly Bowerman told her story to Laura, who illustrated her experiences of the Beeston roundhouse project.

4. Marble Hill by Kezia Hulse Alexandra Madden shared her experiences of being a volunteer gardener at Marble Hill with papercraft artist, Kezia.

Contents Page: London Wall by Laura Marsden Marble Hill volunteer Ansley Whitmer wanted to share her feelings towards one of her favourite English Heritage sites, the London Wall.

Shout Out Loud is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Kick The Dust programme.

FIND OUT MORE The artworks are now complete. To see them and learn more about the Shout Out Loud project please visit www.shoutoutloud.org.uk Or visit our pages on twitter and instagram at eh_shoutoutloud

english-heritage.org.uk 27

SKILLS BUILDING

KEEPING IT ALIVE DURING

LOCKDOWN Linda Parker, meet and greet volunteer at Apsley House, shares how researching content for a blog increased her confidence and made lockdown disappear for a while.

I

n early May 2020, six weeks on from the start of the first lockdown, a staff/volunteer blog was created for Apsley House and the Wellington Arch with the aim of building an informal reference source for stories about the buildings, the Iron Duke, Waterloo, the Wellington Museum art collection and any related topics, whether serious or light-hearted.

Surprisingly addictive I’d been volunteering at Apsley House for ten months when the blog was

28 english-heritage.org.uk

launched, and was a bit unsure about whether it would ‘catch on’ and if I had enough Wellington knowledge, but I thought I’d give it a go. I’d never written for a blog before, and I wanted to come at the Wellington/Napoleon/Waterloo stories from a different angle; one that most readers would find interesting, but not necessarily the usual history. Once I had my subject, I started researching it online – I got completely lost in finding out more, time just flew by and I thoroughly recommend this as a way to make lockdown disappear for a while.

Another aspect of Wellington history My first blog was a piece on ‘Wellington in Film’ starting with a 1934 early ‘talkie’, and going through the 1960s and ‘70s up to 2012. I was surprised at how many films featured the Duke – either as the lead character or in a supporting role – and the more I researched, the wider the topic became. Of course, the film Waterloo starring Christopher Plummer and Rod Steiger is the most well known, but I discovered that there were others I’d never heard of, and they keep on coming. This year a new film, The Duke,

SKILLS BUILDING

is due to be released, which is based on the theft of Goya’s portrait of the Duke from the National Gallery in London in 1961, and features Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent.

My next blogs were natural extensions of the first one and looked at ‘Popular Culture’ (basically, the Duke in the theatre and on television) and ‘Music and Song’ (the Battle of Waterloo is especially popular).

I got completely lost in finding out more – the time just flew by

Back to the mainstream I don’t know whether the daily Covid statistics influenced me subconsciously, but my later blog was to tell the story of Wellington’s death and funeral. My knowledge of the Duke’s life and times was reasonable, but I didn’t know much about the end of his life. It turns out that he was the 19th-century equivalent of one of today’s A-listers, and the public’s reaction was similar to what happened when Princess Diana died – including huge crowds and dodgy souvenirs.

Unexpected advantages What I’ve found is that my blog research has improved my chats with our visitors, hopefully making them more interesting and giving the stories added impact. I can answer questions with more conviction, and this has the knock-on effect of giving me the confidence that I do really know what I’m talking about. ■

Clockwise from opposite page Apsley House exterior; Apsley House interior; Wellington’s room in Walmer Castle; The Duke of Wellington by Francisco de Goya © The National Gallery, London

GET INVOLVED Our blog has many other contributors, with lots of engrossing facts. It might inspire you to start something similar.

Visit apsley-arch-blog.medium.com

english-heritage.org.uk 29

OUR HEROES

VOLUNTEER AND GROW AS A

PHOTOGRAPHER We share some of the beautiful images which have been captured by members of our volunteer photography team.

30 english-heritage.org.uk

Launceston Castle by Warren Wise | warrenwisephotography.com

OUR HEROES

For me, being a volunteer enables me to not only develop my photography skills but also the ability to share my skills in a way that benefits others.

Silbury Hill Sunset by Steve Watson

Cheryl Hoskin, Devon Photography Volunteer

D

eveloping a volunteer photography programme will massively increase the number and diversity of images of our free-to-enter sites. The first members of the freshly recruited team of volunteer photographers have been letting their creative side loose on our sites and have produced professional-quality photography to support English Heritage.

As a result, the number of images available has grown considerably, and represents the first significant new collection of photographs of freeto-enter sites since we became a charity nearly five years ago. A number of our colleagues at our pay-to-enter sites have also taken the opportunity to harness their skills and expertise, and have been commissioned to undertake photo shoots at sites including Boscobel and Stonehenge.

Cirencester Amphitheatre by Gary Haywood

Paul Burton

The vaulted ceiling of the Chapter House at Buildwas Abbey by Paul Burton

Having only become a volunteer photographer for English Heritage in August 2020, during the current pandemic, I was not sure if it was the right thing to do! Well, it definitely was – it has given me the impetus to get out there and do something I really enjoy. Not only that, but I have found myself looking deeper at the properties and the environment around them, and I am noticing so many more things which I have missed in the past. It’s great to know that you are contributing something positive during these difficult times, and keeping a record of these important buildings.

english-heritage.org.uk 31

OUR HEROES

Tim Rubidge I started volunteering as a site monitor at Knowlton Church and Earthworks four years ago. I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and had always loved the site. Though small and tucked away, in and around it one can trace British history through Neolithic, Saxon, Norman and medieval times right up to the 18th century. When I am not monitoring Knowlton, photography is my passion and a stimulus to my several expeditions to sub-Saharan Africa. I am the sort of person who wants a ‘project’ – photographing merely pretty landscapes I come upon by chance is unsatisfying.

So, I thought, ‘Let’s see if I can volunteer my photography to English Heritage, too.’ With the support of the Free Sites West team and David Parry (Media Asset Manager), I began venturing out to other sites. What better excuse to learn a little more of our history and heritage?

Armed with a ‘shopping list’ of sites to photograph, and inexpertly assisted on occasion by a Cocker Spaniel that refuses to stay out of shot, I have been seen photographing sites from Fiddleford Manor, to Ludgershall Castle, Chisbury Chapel and Old Wardour Castle. What I enjoy most is the variety of my tasks and the challenges that working for a set purpose brings.

I have also had the pleasure of working with many other volunteers and English Heritage staff at their own sites.

With the free-site photography I am free to choose when to make the visit, although I seem unable to pick days that are not cold and windy!

At other sites, I fit in with the local staff and volunteers. Our modern times of digital photography are ideally suited to the volunteer photography role as I can download and process the digital images back home and send them through the internet to David in the format he needs and to the contacts at the sites as well. Being a photography volunteer can be technically difficult on occasions but always rewarding. How else could I have had the opportunity to capture images of recusants peering into priest holes (Boscobel House). ■ 32 english-heritage.org.uk

The gallery in the Great Hall at Fiddlesford Manor by Tim Rubidge | timrubidge.com

GET INVOLVED While we aren’t only looking for semi-professionals or those with lots of experience, there are some qualifying criteria around the equipment you are able to use and the technical specification required of your images. Some of the team are experienced professionals and others are just starting out on their photography careers and are building on their skills and portfolio. Others want to use their hobby for a new purpose.

Get in touch to find out more at volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk

OVER TO YOU A dedicated space for you.

Meet the volunteers in the new Engagement Team

S

ince the national lockdown in March 2020 a range of volunteer engagement opportunities have been developed and delivered to provide optional events that bring people together, even if only digitally. These events have included over a dozen well-attended educational talks on incredibly wide-ranging topics from folklore and pirates to Tintagel Bridge and the Battle of Hastings. A talk in January 2021 had over 100 volunteers sign up.

A monthly national quiz has been established with festive twists and incredible virtual prizes. Four focus groups have been held working on induction, recruitment, communication and engagement ideas allowing volunteers to share their ideas and feed into developing practice in these areas.

In late 2020 a team of volunteers were recruited to support this work and have been driving it steadily forwards since.

Penny Edwards Quiz lead and monitor volunteer at Hadrian’s Wall and Berwick-upon-Tweed

Lizzy Pringle Talks lead and visitor volunteer at Kenwood.

‘I knew I would enjoy researching questions and being creative with themes, but I never expected to have so much fun with such a lovely bunch of people as we do on quiz nights.’

Jeff Mansfield Video lead and visitor volunteer at Stonehenge and Goodrich Castle.

‘Volunteering at an English Heritage site provides us with plenty of social engagement, so I’m lucky to be able to continue that through our volunteer engagement programme, which I hope you are finding beneficial at this difficult time.’

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY The team’s focus in 2021 is to nurture the initiatives started, including opening up online talks to volunteer speakers, scoping out new offers that enable connection, support, learning or just provide some fun. Look out for a week of online talks during Volunteers’ Week Tue 1– Sun 6 June.

‘I have loved being able to facilitate the sharing of stories and the fostering of a community across the nation, while also learning more about sites I wouldn’t have known about before.’

Catherine Jefferies Quiz support and events and admin volunteer at Marble Hill House.

‘I am really enjoying meeting people from all different English Heritage sites across the UK. I have learnt so much history about the sites by doing extensive research for the quizzes as well as finding out facts associated with the general knowledge rounds.’

GET INVOLVED Look out for upcoming talks and quizzes in the volunteer newsletter and join us. If you have any ideas you’d like to share for good ways to engage people online let us know at volunteerengagement@english-heritage.org.uk

english-heritage.org.uk 33

OV E R TO YO U

TEA BREAK CROSSWORD Stonehenge volunteer David Tovey shares the crossword he created for us.

Thanks, David! Put the kettle on and enjoy. (Answers below) 1

2

3

4

8

5

6

7

13

14

Across 1. Wading bird (6) 4. Rose (6) 8. Whole, Complete (6) 9. Container (6) 11. Stopwatch (5) 12. Prayer ending (4) 15. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Abbr. (4) 16. Small enclosure (3) 17. A great warrior (4) 20. Relating to rotation (4) 21. Violation of law (5) 24. Mental decline in elderly (6) 25. Antelope (6) 26. Not long ago (6) 27. Cold symptom (6)

9 10

11

12

15

16

17

18

19

20 22

21

23

24

25

26

27

KEEPING YOU Across CONNECTED answers

Across clues

D 1. Wading bird (6)

uring the lockdown we launched our English Heritage Volunteers’ Facebook group as a space for you to connect with others. Over 370 of you have joined. We hope more of Plover you will join and be part of the conversation.

4. Rose (6) Flower JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP 8. Whole, Complete (6) Entire Log into www.facebook.com and search ‘English Heritage 9.Volunteers’, Container Carton click on (6) ‘request’ to join the group.

11. Stopwatch (5) Timer 12. Prayer ending (4) Amen WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU 15.

Union Soviet Socialist USSR As ever, we needof your help to make this space fresh and interesting for you. Please send us Republics Abbr. (4) your letters, photos, puzzles, quizzes, jokes or anything else you’d like to share. (3) 16.

Small enclosure Pen 17. A great warrior (4) 20. Relating to rotation (4)

34 english-heritage.org.uk

Hero Axis

ans

1. Used to play guitar (8) 2. Hopefulness (8) ASK THE CURATOR 3. Mistakes (6) Do you have a 5. Home agreements (6) burning historical question you’d love 6. Moistens (4) to have answered?

7. Round bandSend (4)them in to and we’ll ask 10. Girls nameus(10)

Plectrum Optimism Errors Leases Wets Ring Vanessa

13. A nation’s historic buildings (8) 14. Endure (8) 18. Colourless odourless

Heritage

Answers: Tea break crossword Across 1 Plover; 4 Flower; 8 Entire; 9 Carton; 11 Timer; 12 Amen; 15 USSR; 16 Pen; 17 Hero; 20 Axis; 21 Crime; 24 Dotage; 25 Impala; 26 Recent; 27 Sneeze.

Down 1 Plectrum; 2 Optimism; 3 Errors; 5 Leases; 6 Wets; 7 Ring; 10 Vanessa; 13 Heritage; 14 Tolerate; 18 Oxygen; 19 Acumen; 22 Oder; 23 Otic.

Email us at volunteerfocus@english-heritage.org.uk

Down

Down 1. Used to play a guitar (8) 2. Hopefulness (8) 3. Mistakes (6) 5. Home agreements (6) 6. Moistens (4) 7. Round band (4) 10. Girls name (7) 13. A nation’s historic buildings (8) 14. Endure (8) 18. Colourless odourless gas (6) 19. Keen insight (6) 22. River (4) clues Down 23. Relating to the ear (4)

the curator in the next edition.

Tolerate Oxygen

UNIQUE GIFTS INSPIRED BY HISTORY www.english-heritageshop.org.uk

10% OFF AT OUR ONLINE SHOP

Enter your unique volunteer offer code

VT467 Terms & Conditions 10% discount valid online only. Enter code VT467 at the basket page. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes Clearance items.

No minimum spend. Discount valid until 31 March 2022.

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.

GUN FIRING TEAM AT FORTRESS DOVER

We are building our costumed and storytelling volunteer teams across English Heritage. We are very grateful to the growing team for bringing history to life in an inspiring way.

COSTUME VOLUNTEERS AT BOSCOBEL HOUSE

THANK YOU COSTUME VOLUNTEERS AT BOLSOVER CASTLE EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS AT BATTLE ABBEY

EDUCATION VOLUNTEER AT AUDLEY END GUN FIRING TEAM MEMBER AT PENDENNIS CASTLE