Learn new skills by volunteering at Doddington!
If you want to learn a new skill, gain knowledge or simply meet some new people this year, then volunteering at Doddington Hall may be just the job!
We rely on volunteers to help look after the Hall, welcome visitors, and ensure that they get the most out of their visit whatever their ability or interests. Volunteers not only gain new skills and learn about the Hall’s history but they also play a vital role in enabling the Hall to open its doors to the public.
Volunteers also play a crucial role in the five acres of walled and wild gardens, assisting head gardener Mike Owers and head kitchen gardener Gavin Roberts with a huge variety of tasks throughout the year, according to their interests and skills. This is both in the stunning ornamental gardens, featured in the Sunday Times and on BBC Gardener’s World, and in the returned-to-glory walled Kitchen Garden which is growing produce for our popular farm shop and cafe. What a brilliant way to learn about growing your own food!
The Hall's owner Claire Birch explains why volunteers are such an important part of Doddington Hall’s future: “What people love about Doddington is the lived in and loved atmosphere of the house. The volunteers radiate this to the visitors and bring the house to life with their passion. I love seeing someone new join us, with an interest in, say, architecture, gardening or meeting the public, and watching them learn and become part of the Hall’s life. I can see that they grow to love the Hall as much as I do, and it is infectious which is why the visitors love the Hall too.”
In return for a regular commitment of anything from a few hours each month to several days a week, volunteers receive training and support, out of pocket expenses, free tea and home made cake, a discount in the Farm Shop, an annual outing to another historic or horticultural attraction, plus the fabulous Christmas party in the Hall itself.
“Our volunteers are vital,” concludes Claire. “They bring us much in terms of help, enthusiasm and being part of the community here. But I do like to think that in return for what they bring us, we in turn give them new social circles, new skills and for some perhaps even a new career. I smile when I hear of volunteers who have discovered a real knack for gardening and have been offered a job because of the experience, or have formed new friendships or even been able to grow their own veg at home. This is what Doddington Hall is all about – this grand old lady gives as much as she takes.”
To be sent more information or to have an informal chat, please contact Nicky Wilson, House Manager at Doddington Hall on 0845 258 5080 or email info@doddingtonhall.com . Alternatively, information may be read by clicking here.
We hope to meet you soon!
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