NEWS

Last year we launched costumed storytelling projects at Boscobel House and Bolsover Castle – both of which have gone down well with volunteers and visitors alike. This year it is the turn of Audley End House and Kenilworth Castle. The splendid new costumes include a playing card, a nursery gardener and a collector at Audley End (concepts are shown above), while at Kenilworth Castle we are joined by a bear with a ragged staff, a lady in waiting and a jester. These characters will spark conversations and imaginations, adding a fun new element to the visitor experience and bringing history to life for visitors of all ages.

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

Interior of Coxon’s Tower by volunteer photographer Brian Morris

In celebration of Heritage Open Days, volunteer teams across the country facilitated the opening of previously unseen areas at their sites and properties. At Derwentcote Steel Furnace, volunteers welcomed a total of 70 visitors across two days. Visitors enjoyed a series of guided tours as well as a handling collection containing objects relating to the history of Derwentcote. A visitor subsequently commented that Derwentcote is a ‘really interesting little place with super knowledgeable guides who bring it all to life’. In Berwick-upon-Tweed, English Heritage worked with the Berwick Heritage Open Day committee to deliver a series of events. With the support of the volunteer team we were able to open rarely seen areas such as New Tower, the Gunpowder Magazine and Coxon’s Tower. The event was a great success and comments from visitors included the event being full of ‘such friendly people’ and ‘stunning history’.

In September, volunteers came together from as far and wide as Castlerigg Stone Circle in Cumbria and Derwentcote Steel Furnace in County Durham to enjoy a volunteer picnic at Corbridge Roman Town. Aside from an assortment of packed lunches and brownies, volunteers also enjoyed a behind-thescenes look at the on-site collections store, led by Dr Frances McIntosh, curator of Hadrian’s Wall and the North East, and collections volunteer Vicki, as well as an enthralling tour of Corbridge Roman Town, delivered by volunteer guide Neil Irving. The day was jam-packed with interesting snippets of Corbridge history, including Neolithic rock art and Roman water fountains.

From left to right: Helen Chester, Sandie Chester and Penny Edwards

In September 2021, Carlisle Castle was fi lled with music, celebration and multi-coloured fl ags as Cumbria Pride made its in-person comeback. This is an annual event promoting inclusivity and equality within Cumbria for LGBTQ+ communities, and English Heritage was proud to be part of such a wonderful day. Get 10% OFF your stay at an English Heritage holiday cottage. Use discount code EHTVOL10 when you book online or call 0370 333 1187.

Pride fl ag fl ying above Carlisle Castle Volunteer Pass

Your volunteer pass allows FREE ENTRY for you, one other adult and up to six children (under 18 years and in the family group) to all English Heritage managed properties. To book your visit online quote code EHT2022.