Volunteers needed to defend Castle Drogo

On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February 2015, from 11am to 3pm, there will be a volunteering open day at Castle Drogo.

The year ahead promises to be a busy one at the castle. From 9 March, the huge five foot wide front door opens to visitors as phase three of the exciting renovation project gets underway. This is the most exciting time in the history of Castle Drogo since its initial construction. After receiving funding in 2012 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Interreg, the project to save this iconic place from the wind and rain began.

2015 marks the start of the final phase of work and the team of staff and volunteers have been working with several different artists to bring the stories of Drogo to life and present the castle in a completely different way. More volunteers than ever are needed to share the exciting interpretation with visitors.

There are opportunities to volunteer as a room guide or get involved in conservation cleaning, car parking, working on the estate and running the scaffold viewing tower. Volunteer Coordinator, Laurence Harvey, says:

“If you would like to meet the team and find out more about the different ways to get involved, please pop along to the Drogo café and have a cuppa and a chat. You don’t need a degree in history to volunteer – just a warm smile, enthusiasm and a few hours to spare.

“As a charity, the National Trust is dependent on the help of its volunteers. It would not be possible to open Castle Drogo without people who generously give of their time. If you would like to do something that is interesting, enjoyable and rewarding, why not consider getting involved? You can meet new people, learn new things, use your skills and, of course, have fun.”

Pauline Fletcher, who has been a volunteer at Castle Drogo for 26 years, says: “The world has changed in the time that I have been volunteering at Drogo, but the castle is as fascinating as ever. It is a joy to bring this wonderful house to life for all of our visitors, especially children who are in awe at the size of the building, the splendour of the rooms and the beauty of the surroundings.”

Volunteers do not need to have any prior knowledge of the property as all necessary information, training and full support is provided. They also have their travelling expenses reimbursed and the opportunity to participate in trips and meals.

To find out more about any of the volunteering opportunities at Castle Drogo, please contact Laurence Harvey, Volunteer Coordinator, on 01647 434114 or email laurence.harvey@nationaltrust.org.uk.