Cowdray Heritage Trust: Volunteer Role

**Cowdray Heritage Trust: Volunteer Role**

**Role**:Volunteer

**Reports to**: General Manager/Operations Supervisor

**Location**: Cowdray Ruins Visitor Centre, Midhurst

**Hours**: Flexible

**Tasks**: Varied

**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. Whilst the majority of the site is presently closed, we have recently opened a 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, as well as considering what other options there are to engage further with our audience, increase footfall, and contribute commercially to the ongoing maintenance of the Ruins.

**The Positions**

Due to the varied nature of what we do, 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 volunteer - 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 volunteer - offering our visitors a warm welcome to the visitor centre upon arrival, assisting with orientation, and answering questions.

Café volunteer - assisting in the small café, serving customers, preparing hot and cold drinks.

Events volunteer - 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 volunteer - 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 volunteer - 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.

**Commitment**

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 (from a couple of hours to a full day), please get in touch to discuss further. Corporate volunteer days can also be arranged.

**What you get out of volunteering with Cowdray**
- Expand your knowledge of history and historic buildings
- Practice and learn new skills, in customer service, events, heritage, etc
- Spend time with likeminded people - mix with other volunteers and our friendly team of staff
- Engage with members of the public - share your knowledge and enthusiasm to make their visit special
- Help to promote and keep the Ruins open and maintained for the future. A chance to be part of Cowdray Ruins’ history

**How to apply**

To enquire, please click the yellow button below and contact the address listed to express an interest or for more information.