Find out what it's like to volunteer at The Station
It’s Volunteers Week and we’re celebrating our amazing volunteers who play such an important role here at The Station. We have a brilliant team of dedicated volunteers who meet and greet visitors, look after our Lost and Found bookstall, and help with the other exciting things that happen here, including our events, art galleries, shop and cinema. We couldn’t do it without them!
We caught up with Platform volunteer Angie to find out what it’s like being a volunteer at The Station.
Hello Angie – tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a retired teacher who used to teach at Richmond Methodist School. Since retiring I now work as a registrar marrying couples in and around Richmond – I get paid for the privilege of being part of people’s special day which really is the most joyful job! I have lived in Richmond for many years, and I love this town.
How long have you been volunteering at The Station?
I have been volunteering at The Station as part of the Platform team for two and a half years.
What attracted you to volunteering at The Station, and what were your first impressions of volunteering here?
I think The Station in Richmond is one of the best community venues in England. We are so fortunate to have it here in our town. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere at The Station when I’ve visited myself and there is always so much happening here, so it seemed the perfect place to volunteer. I was made to feel very welcome immediately – the team at The Station are all very friendly, and we are well looked after.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Station?
There are two main things I enjoy most about being a Platform volunteer. First of all, it’s a lovely sociable role - as well as meeting lots of new people, I get to see so many friends, and lots of students I used to teach at Richmond Methodist School. I get to hear about their lives and meet their children which is just lovely.
Secondly, I enjoy running the Lost and Found book stall. Thanks to the generosity of many local donors, we get to find new homes for lots of preloved books which visitors can take home for a donation. I also look after our ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ collection, where visitors can try a wrapped mystery book that they might not usually choose – it’s a great way of getting people to try new books! All the money raised from the Lost and Found book stall helps with the upkeep of this fabulous building.
What do you think makes a great volunteer?
The volunteers at The Station are a fantastic group of people, and we all have different skills and interests. We all really care about The Station and are passionate about the way the building has been brought back to life – it’s a great feeling being part of the next chapter of this historic place. Personally, I love talking to people, and seeing visitors’ reaction to the building when they first walk in – it’s amazing all the things we’ve got here under one roof! I enjoy getting stuck in and making a difference in my local community and I hope my enthusiasm for The Station shows!
What three words would you use to describe The Station?
Friendly, interesting, BUSY!
What would you say to anyone who is thinking about joining The Station as a volunteer?
If you are considering becoming a volunteer at The Station, my advice would be – go for it! The team here are so welcoming and it’s a lovely place to be. You can come in and see what it’s all about and even do a trial session to see if it’s for you. Platform volunteers fulfil an important role each and every day. No two days are the same - you get asked different questions every shift and meet visitors from all over Britain and the world. It’s also a lovely way to get involved and meet other likeminded volunteers too – we enjoy social events throughout the year and get complimentary cinema tickets too. We are so fortunate to have The Station here in Richmond so I feel it is important those of us with spare time support this fantastic community space."
Interested? We'd love to hear from you!
Do you love The Station as much as we do? Have you got a passion for film, food and art? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? We're looking for enthusiastic people to join our friendly team of volunteers here at The Station to help us give a warm welcome to visitors, and to share information about this incredible community venue.
What’s involved
- Answering general enquiries and visitor questions
- Sharing information about The Station, its history and restoration
- Maintaining the platform area, updating displays, and looking after the Station Bookstall
- Opportunities to support the installation of exhibitions, preview events and exhibition sales
- Occasional work in The Station Shop
- Other seasonal activities including themed events and gardening
- Three-hour shifts, 10am – 1pm or 1pm - 4pm with opportunities available every day of the week
What’s in it for you
- Support a fantastic community enterprise which is run by local charity, Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust
- Opportunity to meet other likeminded people
- Free hot drink from the Station Café | Bar every shift
- 25% off at The Station Shop
- Invitations to exclusive volunteer social events
- Opportunities to contribute to the future development of The Station and the activities we offer
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at The Station email Carol at friends@thestation.co.uk