An appeal has been issued for volunteers to help at Kiplin Hall and Gardens.
The attraction is a 400-year-old historic house museum with ample gardens and a tea room located halfway between Richmond and Northallerton.
Today it is run as a visitor attraction by an independent charity but has been owned by four families all related through blood or marriage over the last four centuries.
Affectionately known as the ‘fifth family’ volunteers have been helping to run Kiplin Hall and Gardens for the last 20 years.
A team of over 160 people work tirelessly in all areas of the organisation; welcoming visitors, conducting historic research, room stewarding, manning the till in the gift shop, gardening, and much more.
At annual celebration events long serving volunteers are awarded badges for 5, 10, 15 and in 2021 even 20 years service.
Each year new volunteers join the organisation. Those who would like to find out more about volunteering at Kiplin in 2022 can visit the recruitment event held at Kiplin Hall on Thursday, March 3.
Rosie Kluz, volunteers and front of house manager, will be at the event.
She said: “The event is really a great chance to come along and find out more about what volunteering at Kiplin is like.
“It’s very informal, a cuppa and a chat with me and some of our current volunteers. This year we are keen to meet people who would be interested in roles as Room Stewards, talking to visitors about the history of Kiplin and the families who lived here.
“And Welcome Volunteers, who man our entry point, welcoming visitors, checking tickets, offering information about what visitors can enjoy on that day.
“Our volunteers are given lots of training and shadowing while they settle into their new roles. Some people like to claim a slot on the rota, doing a regular day and time. Others are happier to pop in and out on an ad-hoc basis. There’s no pressure to over commit yourself, we are very flexible to individual needs.
“As a team we also offer benefits including a discount in the tea room (which of course is a reason in itself!), group outings, celebration events, and exhibition previews.
“Many volunteers enjoy the social aspect of volunteering most of all, something we’ve all missed during the pandemic.”
The drop in event takes place on Thursday, March 3 from 11am to 1pm.
Contact fohmanager@kiplinhall.co.uk or call 01748 818 178 to confirm attendance.
