Award-winning museum looking for more volunteers

The Bailiffgate Museum, in Alnwick, is a small, independent attraction which aims to preserve and celebrate the heritage of the local area.

The museum relies on funding and enlisting the help of volunteers to keep it open to the public.

Helpers do a range of roles and current vacancies include marketing, front of house and exhibitions.

The attraction is also on the look out for trustees, particularly those who have professional experience of building management, IT/digital management and collections management.

Reflecting on the benefits of becoming a volunteer, one helper, Jo Scott, who moved to Alnwick two years ago, said: “Becoming a volunteer here really helped me to feel part of the fabulous Alnwick community, make friends and play my part.  “I love working front of house, welcoming people, talking with tourists and having a few hours away from my day job and domestic chores. I find it very relaxing actually.”

The museum has won awards for the work it does with its volunteers. It is also an accredited museum, which means it meets national standards for the heritage sector.

Volunteers are involved in numerous activities, such as front of house, marketing, education, collections, finance, exhibitions, community events and projects. They also work on developing the shop, digitisation, premises care, fund-raising and bid writing.

Front of house helper Pete Hutchinson said: “I enjoy meeting people and it is a small contribution to a fantastic local museum.”

For most of the year, the museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays. On Mondays, when it is closed to the public, it welcomes school and adult groups, Museum Tots and provides other activities such as volunteer training.

Jo added: “The aim is to provide the best museum experience for local children, their families and the many visitors to the area.”

How you can join the ranks

Contact the museum by emailing [email protected] or call 01665 605847. Alternatively, call in for an information pack.

You will be invited to meet a member of the volunteer team to have a chat, so you can learn more about what is done and what part you could play.

For more details, visit bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk