Volunteers
Volunteer at Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden – join our team and help make a difference.
Here is a short film on what it is like to be a volunteer.
The Abbey is a self-supporting charity run by volunteers, which relies on the income generated by donations, events, and profits from the shop, as well as the support of our Friends. The museum would not survive without our valued team of volunteers who give their time to help preserve the Abbey site and keep it open for visitors.
Some use skills that they already have, while others learn new ones, and everyone has the opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests, and make a real contribution to Shaftesbury’s foremost heritage site.
Museum stewards – play an important role managing the reception desk. The day is divided into two three hour sessions, and tasks include meeting and greeting visitors, answering any questions about the site, taking money from shop sales, recording any comments or feedback, and generally ensuring that visitors enjoy their experience. Full training and support is given to new volunteers, if you are unable to make a regular commitment, volunteers are always welcome to be on a reserve list to cover rota gaps.
Gardening – volunteers maintain the peaceful walled garden throughout the year. Tasks include pruning roses and shrubs, maintenance of paths and garden furniture, and cultivating the extensive Anglo-Saxon herb collection.
Conservation – the museum has over 10,000 objects in its collection, with only a small number on display. The collection includes medieval floor tiles, pottery, carved stonework, roof tiles and stained glass, all of which need to be identified and recorded.
Education and family activities – help the team with a programme of workshops and other activities for both schoolchildren and families, so that they gain maximum benefit from their visit. This programme is managed jointly with Gold Hill Museum and covers topics such as archaeology, medieval medicine, and history through the ages from Saxon to Victorian.
To become a Volunteer please fill in and submit the form below. Alternatively you may call in or contact us and we will be pleased to send you a form. Call 01747 852910 or email office@shaftesburyabbey.org.uk
