Heather’s volunteer journey with Minstead Trust

Heather says, ‘In August 22, with my parenting skills now underlined, and my husband having passed away a number of years earlier, I was keen to find something to occupy my time in a role away from a busy daytime NHS admin job.

Idly scrolling through Facebook one evening, I saw a post that Minstead Trust were seeking Front of House volunteers at Hanger Farm; a venue that I had visited many times before and which was very close to home. I applied and now three years on, I have never looked back!

I try to volunteer on a weekly basis, often at weekends. My roles are varied, from working the bar, meeting, greeting and showing guests to their seats, occasionally selling programmes for the performing Company or selling ice creams in the interval, to more generally tidying up and collecting glasses at the end of the show. A bonus is that volunteers can enjoy the performances too!

The Hanger Farm management team are friendly, welcoming and grateful for all the help given. Volunteers can do as much or as little as they choose and shifts (rarely no more than 4 hours), are available in the day time or evening according to what’s happening at the venue.

A chance conversation with a volunteer who helps at Furzey Gardens – another of the Minstead Trust social enterprises – led me to try volunteering in Furzey Tea Rooms too, clearing tables and washing up during busy weekends, and offering support in the evenings during the summer season of open air theatre.

Something that I hope to grow into more when I retire (not that I am quite there yet!)’

Interested in volunteering at Hanger Farm? Get in touch to learn more: Volunteers@MinsteadTrust.org.uk