Volunteering with the National Trust
A Volunteer and Community Involvement Manager for the National Trust, Claire Sarris, visited North Notts College to speak with students about the possibilities of work experience with the National Trust.
Claire Sarris serves the Bassetlaw region and looks after Clumber Park, a popular tourist hotspot with more than 3,800 acres of historic county parkland. Her remit also includes Mr Straw’s House, an Edwardian semi-detached house whose contents have remained largely unchanged since the 1920s. These two places are located a short distance away from Worksop, with Mr Straw’s House being less than a ten-minute walk away from North Notts College.
The National Trust was founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, with its aim being to “promote the permanent preservation for the benefit of the Nation of lands and tenements (including buildings) of beauty or historic interest”. As a charitable organisation, the National Trust relies on volunteers to help them support this vision “for everyone, forever”.
During her visit, Claire spoke about the history of the organisation and the endless amounts of work placement opportunities available at the Trust. These include opportunities in a number of different areas, such as: Park Rangers, Dog Walkers, Business Support, Marketing, Hospitality, Tour Guides, Fundraising, Gardening and many more.
Speaking on this, Claire said: “We are looking for new team members at Clumber Park and Mr Straw’s house to help us grow support for the charity. Volunteering comes with many benefits, everything from helping a local cause to finding out who you are as a person. You will also meet people from all walks of life and it is a great way for you to make friends. To put this into light, our oldest volunteer is 88 years old and our youngest is aged 12. Not to mention, you will be developing your leadership and social skills along the way.”
She added: “I started at a hospital radio station at the age of 13 which later helped me get into university. There were only 30 places available and the experience I gained volunteering was a major key to my success in the interview process. Sometimes these experiences can really make a difference, not only to you as a person, but can be instrumental in helping you get where you want to be. We are here to help you with that.”
The National Trust will be returning to North Notts College on 15th November. If you wish to attend this presentation, please contact Alex Dickinson, Work Placement and Employability Coordinator by emailing Alex.Dickinson@rnngroup.ac.uk. To find out more about how you can volunteer at the National Trust.