Belton: woodland work (Photo: Rob Renfree)
What we do, where we go and why we do it (page 1 of 2)
(next page)
Belton: woodland work (Photo: Rob Renfree)
The aim of the group is to undertake practical work for the National Trust. This can take many forms, including
Tasks are undertaken most Sundays and last most of the day, although we also organise weekend tasks once a quarter. Typical Sunday and weekend tasks are described in more depth on the next page.
An important feature of the group is the social life. This has included pub meets, theatre outings, punting trips and barn dances.
Wimpole Victorian Gardens: autumn work (Photo: Rob Renfree)
Much of our Sunday work is split between Anglesey Abbey and Wimpole grounds, garden and farm. However, we also work at
Weekend tasks usually take us further afield, giving members a chance to discover different Trust sites. A list of properties can be found on the National Trust website.
Clumber Park: replacing log barriers (Photo: Rob Renfree)
Obviously, the reason behind it all is to help the Trust, but voluntary work is not a one-way process.
As members we get to explore many beautiful Trust sites and because of our interactions with Trust staff get to learn about property histories, future developments and day-to-day workings.
Going on a task usually entails meeting new people and working within a team. In such an environment, barriers are quickly broken down and the result is a friendly group of people who enjoy getting stuck into a task as well as socialising and having fun together.
The work is usually outdoors, and following a week in a stuffy office, this can come as a welcome breath of fresh air. Many members enjoy the physical challenges of the tasks and find it a good form of exercise. It need not be intensive as there are many jobs to be done and we expect people to work at their own pace – after all we are there to have fun, too.
An added bonus is that if you complete 50 hours voluntary work within the calendar year you receive a free National Trust volunteers’ card which gives free entry to all Trust properties and a 20% discount on purchases in NT shops online or personally at one of the many property shops such as that at Wimpole where alongside the many gift items, you can also purchase frozen lamb, pork and beef actually reared on the property.
Members also receive a newsletter and programme of tasks and socials every three months.
Brecon Beacons: restoring pathways (Photo: Rob Renfree)
A committee runs the group and is elected at an Annual General Meeting. For 2009-10, this includes
The AGM, held in October, is an opportunity to meet other CNTV members, talk to the incoming committee and to get views and updates from the National Trust itself. We usually have a speaker to give a talk of interest to the group.
If you’re interested in joining CNTV, or have any questions, please do contact us.
| Back to home page | More about our work >> |