Volunteer recruitment day at Saltram

As the New Year gets underway, Saltram, near Plympton, is looking for volunteers to join its growing family of supporters; and invites you along to find out more at their Open Day on Friday 23 January from 10am to 4pm.

If you are looking for a new challenge, to meet new people or to dedicate time to a charity in 2015, volunteering for the National Trust could be a step in the right direction.

In 2014 Saltram was the overall winner of the Primary Times magazine Star Award and a refreshed programme throughout the year saw visitor numbers ever-rising. This year, with the mansion’s opening extending to 363 days, in line with the rest of the estate, it is hoped that its popularity with the public will continue to flourish.

To help Saltram achieve its ambitious aims its volunteer family needs to grow. Room Guides enhance the visitor’s experience inside the mansion by telling the stories behind the estate and its contents; from the furniture and books to the paintings and wallpaper. As a Room Guide, you’ll also have the chance to get involved in events that bring Saltram to life for its visitors and the wider community.

Whether you are a great storyteller, a history enthusiast or can welcome visitors with open arms, Saltram would love to have you in its team. With over 200 people already gifting their time to the house, garden and wider estate, you’d be joining a team with a passion to make every visit special.

Rebecca Wickes, Visitor Experience & Marketing Officer commented: ‘As we prepare for the extended opening hours this year we want to invite and encourage our local community to come and volunteer with us in a place that they already love and support.’

An existing volunteer, Gwen, remarked: ‘Joining the Saltram family as a volunteer in September was one of the most interesting and enjoyable things that I have done in recent years. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel part of the volunteer group from day one. I was not expected to know all the facts right away, but to provide the friendly face of Saltram.

‘As the weeks progressed, I felt trusted and valued. Saltram is a beautiful, unique house with an interesting story, so there is also a chance to get involved with the history, art and architecture of the place and to re-charge the brain cells if looking for more of a challenge.’

If you’re keen to get involved and want to find out more please contact Saltram on 01752 333500 or saltram@nationaltrust.org.uk.