Cowdray Ruins Volunteers

For Cowdray Heritage Trust

We are looking for volunteers to help us run small Visitor Centre and Café, and continue to operate guided tours and events, which we intend to increase alongside the building of our team.

We are at an exciting early stage of Masterplanning to fix the stonework to allow us to re-open the site(the major part of it is currently closed). We are also considering what other options there are to engage further with our audience, increase footfall, and contribute commercially to the ongoing maintenance of the Ruins. So if you are interested in heritage and would like to be part of the new enthusiastic team, please get in touch!

Skills

There are a number of different areas in which you might be able to help, please see below for some suggestions of what we are looking for.

If you think you can help in other ways, please do let us know.

Talks and tours– join a guide on our tours and talks to assist with shepherding the group, unlocking rooms as you go, and answering questions if you feel comfortable to. A great opportunity to learn from our guides and interact with the public.
Visitor Centre – offering our visitors a warm welcome to the visitor centre upon arrival, assisting with orientation, and answering questions.
Café - assisting in the small café, serving customers, preparing hot and cold drinks.
Events – helping at a range of events, from open air theatre, to Murder Mystery evenings and art classes, you could be checking tickets, helping with setup and take down, or assisting visitors with any queries.
Arts and Crafts - engaging with children in organised events or visitor centre activities in simple arts and crafts activities. Options to help decide what to include in the programme of events – come and get creative!
Handyperson – we are not looking to do anything too major, just some basic odd jobs, fixing things, getting the Tudor Kitchen and Tower Room looking as good as they can.

A number of these positions would be working alongside paid members of staff, and basic training would be provided.

About Cowdray Heritage Trust

Cowdray Ruins and Cowdray Heritage Trust Cowdray Ruins consists of the ruins of one of England's great Tudor houses, architecturally comparable to many of the great palaces and country houses of that time. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1793, but the ruins are Grade I listed for their historical importance.

Cowdray Heritage Trust exists to manage and maintain Cowdray Ruins for the benefit of the public.

Interests

Arts, Heritage and Entertainment

Activities

Cooking and Catering
Creativity
General Helping
Local Events
Practical Skills
Supporting Charities

Details

No - DBS check required
Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
Yes - Expenses reimbursed
Yes - Health and Safety Policy
No - Is it fully accessible
Yes - Ongoing support
Yes - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
Yes - Suitable for Under 18's
Yes - Training provided
Yes - Volunteer induction
Yes - Volunteer Policy
Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance
Yes - Written role description

Availability

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Morning	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Afternoon	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Evening	No	No	No	No	No	No	No

We understand that not everyone can give the same amount of time, and are happy to discuss with you what you might be able to offer. From a one off day to help with a particular task, to a regular weekly slot, please get in touch to discuss further.