Category: Uncategorised

In the latest in our series of ‘Meet the Volunteer’ profiles we hear from Phil who is a volunteer in Gripton’s Workshop.  

“I applied to become a volunteer at the BCLM in 2012 when Gripton’s opened, because I am very interested in restoring vintage radio sets, particularly those from the 1930s era. I also have some knowledge of the history of radio meaning I could pursue my hobby whilst bringing my expertise to help the Museum. 

I carry out repairs and restoration of vintage radios and other vintage electronics, and have repaired equipment for other museums such as the Coffin Works Museum. I have also built and continue to maintain four background music ‘sound points’ playing period and seasonal music in various locations around the Museum. I also repair and restore antique clocks around the Museum. 

I have been volunteering for just over seven years. I started in January 2012, initially visiting just once a fortnight while I was still at work. I retired in 2013 and increased my volunteering sessions to one day a week at the Museum.

I’m on site most Tuesdays, and you’ll most likely see me wearing a brown works coat and cloth cap as I go round the Museum, winding-up and adjusting the clocks in various locations. It’s nice meeting and getting to know more of the demonstrators. I sometimes work in the radio workshop behind Gripton’s, but more often in the Rolfe Street Workroom in the basement. 

Volunteering lets me use my knowledge and skills to help improve the visitors’ experience at the Museum, at the same time as enjoying my own hobbies of radio, music and clocks. I also volunteer on the Severn Valley Railway one day per week plus occasional weekends and special events, and I volunteer as a repairer at Bewdley Repair Cafe once a month. Volunteering has helped me broaden my interests and teach myself new skills.

Volunteering gives me opportunities to work with other like-minded enthusiasts as part of a team, although I am just as happy working on my own. It is a privilege to be able to work as a volunteer at one of the country’s leading Museums and to have been allowed and encouraged to expand the scope of my work over time.”

In the latest of our series of ‘Meet the Volunteer’ profiles we hear from Linda who is a volunteer in the 1930s domestic rooms.

“When I retired I wanted more to my life than ‘ladies that lunch’. I love history and always had a soft spot for the Museum, and could use my social skills.

I began volunteering in October 2016 and you can usually see me on a Friday in the domestic rooms.

Volunteering has made a positive impact on my life: After 47 years of a ‘career job’ I find this social and enjoyable and I’m hopefully making a difference without the pressure of employment.

The best thing about volunteering for me is being free of computers and being able to spend my time on a face to face basis in great surroundings whilst knowing I am helping a good cause.”

In the latest of our series of ‘Meet the Volunteer’ profiles, we hear from Maggie who is a volunteer on the boat dock:

“I decided to volunteer for the Museum because of the great visitor reviews, my interest in local history, a chance to learn new skills and, of course, an opportunity to meet new people. I began volunteering on the boat dock in October 2014. Prior to that I volunteered for a few months in the archive.

You will usually see me on a Wednesday – either at the dock or in Carter’s yard – helping with the repair and maintenance of some of the horse drawn carts. I mostly work alongside fellow volunteers Keith and Donald carrying out general maintenance and repairs to and around the dock buildings. This has included repairing the paint store, re-puttying window frames, weatherproofing the outside of buildings, painting and some metal work. These activities tend to attract many visitors to the dock who are interested to know what we are doing, as well as in the history of the dock itself.

Volunteering has many positive impacts but the two areas of my life where it has had the most benefit are socially and the development of new skills. When I started at the museum I had recently moved back to the area after a long absence and didn’t know many people. By volunteering at the museum I found myself surrounded by a group of friendly, interesting people – some of whom have become friends outside of work. As for skills I am now able to confidently tackle many DIY tasks that I would never have attempted in the past!

I think the best thing about volunteering is that it restores the sense of purpose that once came from employment. It gives structure to the week, the enjoyment of working within a team and a real sense achievement in a job well done.”