Behind the scenes with Lancashire’s heritage – the gift that keeps on giving
Volunteers at some of Lancashire’s most historic buildings have opened up about their experiences with sharing their knowledge of the county’s heritage.
Lancashire County Council, working with Lancashire Volunteer Partnership, is promoting new opportunities to work with ‘unique’ landmarks which have stood proud in Lancashire for hundreds of years.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for Community and Cultural Services, said: “We have some of the most unique historical buildings in the country.
“From the last surviving 19th century steam powered weaving mill in the world, to the oldest townhouse in the City of Lancaster, there is a sense of pride among all our volunteers when they share our stories with the next generation.”
The council is looking for new volunteers to support some of Lancashire’s most important heritage venues. Working with the volunteer partnership, it is promoting new opportunities at the following venues.
- Judges’ Lodgings Museum, Lancaster
- Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham
- Queen Street Mill, Burnley
To get a sense of what it is like to volunteer at these historic venues, current volunteers were encouraged to share their experiences.
Richard, a volunteer at Burnley’s Queen Street Mill, said: "What I enjoy most about volunteering is welcoming visitors to our unique and important site and explaining how textile processes took place at Queen Street Mill.
“During a tour, there can be requests for information and questions by individuals whose relatives have worked in a mill. When I answer, you can see the delight on their faces. It’s a case of making visitors important."
Penny, a volunteer at Judges’ Lodgings, said: "As a volunteer over the last two and a half years, I truly feel as though I have found a new home.
“My role as a volunteer transcriber and researcher of the 'Judges' Visitors Guest Book' has sent me off on new adventures, meeting new people doing new things, deepening my knowledge of the museum industry and world.
“Talking to our lovely visitors made me realise that people make a place; that buildings and histories would not exist unless we had people to tell them to and continue their stories."
Ruth, a volunteer at Gawthorpe Hall, said: "Volunteering at Gawthorpe has given me a huge confidence boost in dealing with the public and has been really valuable work experience for the future.
“I’ve enjoyed talking to lots of interesting people about their memories and interpretations of the historic hall and its surroundings".
Museum support volunteers support the operation of Lancashire County Council museums and heritage venues.
The role offers an opportunity to assist with activities across a site, from greeting visitors to assisting with events. From meeting new people to learning a range of new skills, Lancashire's volunteers help bring the buildings and their collections to life for a wide range of audiences.
You don’t need any previous experience or qualifications to volunteer, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit: Volunteering at Lancashire Museums - Lancashire County Council