National Volunteers Week

Do you volunteer anywhere? There are a great many charities, national and local that would not be able to operate without the help of volunteers. National Volunteers Week from 1 to 7 June 2015 is an opportunity for organisations to thank and celebrate the help  and volunteers give.

I have very briefly mentioned in the past that I volunteer, and thought this would be the perfect time to tell you more. 

How long have I been volunteering?

I have volunteered for around 4 years, for one of the UK's largest heritage charities, The National Trust. 

Why do I volunteer for the National Trust?I have a love for English history and heritage that also allows me to help protect and retain it for the future.  A need to understand times gone by, helping me to bring to life my family history discoveries. My hours of volunteering add up, earning me a volunteers membership to the National Trust. Allowing me to enjoy properties and gardens all over the country.

Where do I volunteer?Sunnycroft, is a rare suburban villa and mini-estate in Wellington, Shropshire.  It is not one of the grand stately homes that most people think of when you mention the National Trust. But somewhere you can imagine living if you could go back in history.What do I do?For the last few years I have been transcribing the personal diaries of Joan Lander, the final owner of  Sunnycroft, before passing it on to the National Trust. It is trickier than it sounds. Deciphering and reading old hand writing can be a challenge. Although the more familiar you become with the style of writing the easier it gets.
Whilst I am mainly office based in my volunteering, I do get to observe the wonderful original contents of the house. A stroll from the car through the avenue of Wellingtonia trees, admire and envy the wonderful glasshouses. Do you volunteer? What do you love about volunteering?