Meet the volunteers
Have you ever wondered what it's like to volunteer here? More than 160 people volunteer with us: on the landscape, in the shop & reception, leading our tours, carrying out research or transcribing old records. Here from some of them below.
Shane Gibson, Shop Volunteer
Shane became a frequent visitor during the Covid pandemic lockdowns. He found a special significance here after the loss of his father, as it gave him a place to reflect and gain perspective on life and loss. As a recent graduate, studying Classical Studies with the Open University, he was looking to gain experience in the heritage/culture sector.
“It’s a privilege to join the volunteers at Arnos Vale, to gain some experience, and give back a little to a place that had become very important to me. I’ve been a volunteer for over a year and a half now, and I’ve greatly enjoyed being part of the team, helping with events, talking to visitors, and being part of their stories.”
Lydia Loader, Shop Volunteer
Volunteering can sometimes change lives! Hear what happened for Lydia:
“Volunteering at Arnos Vale gave me the confidence to open my own shop in Bristol. I was really struggling as my last job took so much from me. This volunteering role helping people was just what I needed. The team were so kind. Just the most lovely people who gave me the confidence do what I really like.”
John Loy, Christmas Tree Volunteer
John joined us last November at our very busy time selling fabulous Christmas trees. He’s now looking into becoming a Tour Guide.
“I volunteered helping sell Christmas trees last year, and had a wonderful experience, thoroughly enjoyed my time at Arnos Vale. You get to work with a great in-house team, some equally lovely volunteers and also meet members of the public who really appreciate Arnos Vale as a community resource. Heartily recommend getting involved.”
Sandy Sherlock, Landscape Management Volunteer
Sandy and her husband Peter were both widowed. Soon after meeting in 2010, they came to Arnos Vale for a visit and spotted a notice at the entrance saying that volunteers were needed.
"It’s such a lovely place that we asked what volunteering would involve. We had a briefing and duly turned up. We joined a group of workers and everyone was so cheerful that we decided to keep going.
I have a blue badge and found it hard to walk to the site where we were working. I didn’t want to say because I thought I wouldn’t be allowed to work. Eventually, I told one of the team who immediately said, ‘No worries. Ride in the truck with the tools!’ Problem solved!
We just kept going, loving the company and caring for such a beautiful place. When we got married in 2015, we obviously did it at Arnos Vale! We even have a plot for our ashes in Ceremonial Way.
Peter lost his sight in 2019, but it doesn’t stop us going. You can find Peter in a chair with his audio book around Ceremonial Way. Lots of walkers with dogs and children stop to talk to him while I’m still volunteering. Where else could he get that amount of attention!"
