Swapping castles for community support

How Cadw custodians are supporting Wales’s battle against coronavirus

Spring and summer are usually the busiest seasons for Cadw, with thousands of visitors enjoying the warmer weather at Wales’s castles, abbeys and historical houses.

But, 2020 has been rather different. With staffed sites closed to the public since 17 March, many of our custodians have sought voluntary jobs to support Wales’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Read on to find out what Cadw custodians, Fiona Sparks and Sonja Brown, have been up to since swapping their castle ‘offices’ for key roles in community support…

Sonja Brown, Head Custodian at Kidwelly Castle

‘After the castle closed, I started working as a prescription delivery driver for three local pharmacies — making deliveries between Laugharne, Pendine, Llanmiloe and Whitland.

‘The best part of the job is meeting lots of new people — at a distance, of course. But I must say, making deliveries to elderly people in isolated places has been sad to see, especially because so many of them live alone.

‘I can’t stop for long chats on my delivery rounds so I have swapped phone numbers with a few of them — offering to talk whenever they feel lonely. I hope this will make a difference to them, however small! I’ll uphold the offer after all of this is over too — I think it’s important to support elderly people in our communities, whether there is a pandemic or not.

‘If I had to summarise my experience I would say: ‘I am enjoying it but I can’t wait to have my castle back.’ Fiona Sparks, Custodian at Caerphilly Castle

‘I started my apprenticeship at Caerphilly Castle in February — only six weeks before coronavirus closed Wales’s historic sites. Leaving the castle just as I was starting to feel confident in the role was sad, but I knew that my efforts could be put to good use elsewhere.

‘Before I knew it, I was working on the Business Wales Helpdesk, answering the questions and concerns of business owners — all looking for advice and support during the pandemic.

‘The role involves more challenging and sometimes emotional interactions than I am used to having with castle visitors — but it is very rewarding.

‘I’m pleased to be supporting Welsh businesses in this way — but am equally looking forward to escaping my living room and returning to the beautiful surroundings of Caerphilly Castle, as soon as it is safe to do so.’