news from the volunteers

RIGHT: A Unicorn cushion created by Libby for the Aston Hall Historic Needlework Group

We had a great deal of Volunteer Activity in October to support our Half Term events across BMT’s sites. A large team of volunteers pulled together to deliver the spooktacular Pumpkin Flotilla at Sarehole Mill and we had some ghoulish volunteers who supported the Thinktank team in delivering their busy Spooky Science night. To jump from one holiday to another Christmas was a wonderful time for our volunteers to get involved with something festive. We were kindly visited by Father Christmas at many of our sites and the Volunteer team played an important role as his festive helpers. A few of us had a lovely day creating some beautiful Tudor Festive Garlands at Blakesley Hall, of course accompanied by a mince pie or two!

I’m pleased to share we’re starting 2022 with a few more teams back onsite. It has been a pleasure to restart Conservation Club at the Historic Properties, and the team have already begun working hard to get Aston Hall looking spick and span. We also welcomed back the Historic Needlework Group who are starting work on some exciting and beautiful projects which we’ll get to see in Aston Hall later this year.

Our Volunteering for Veterans (VFV) project has successfully rounded up its debut year with the fantastic news that the project has been extended – so a big congratulations to the VFV team. You may have heard them on BBC West Midlands radio or even spotted them on BBC Midlands today as they spread the word about the amazing work they’ve achieved. A huge congratulations to everyone involved!

I’m also pleased to share that we have our Work Experience programme back up and running for 2022. Our work experience programme is open to anyone aged 15 years or over who is not currently in employment. Each placement is 3-5 days long and provides a great opportunity to develop skills and knowledge and to gain a general awareness of the working world. We have opportunities at Thinktank, Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, and Sarehole Mill. Check out the BMT website for dates and further details on how to apply.

Finally, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this exciting role as I wind down to finish up my secondment as Interim Volunteer Manager for Birmingham Museums. It has been a steep learning curve and I’ve loved every minute of it! From cups of tea and garland making to watching Fiona Bruce present Antiques Roadshow – it has been so much fun and I’ll certainly miss everyone I’ve met along the way! A huge thank you for all your incredible hard work over these last 8 months. I’ve been bowled over by your passion and commitment and we’re so lucky to have your support here at BMT. Best wishes to everyone for the future, and I will look forward to reading the next issue of ‘Artefacts’ to find out what has been happening!

Thanks and best wishes! n news from the volunteers