GREENFIELD Valley Trust is celebrating the “beating heart” of the historic site as part of National Volunteers’ Week – while encouraging more local people to get involved in shaping its future.
The Trust has been hosting a series of ‘Meet the Volunteers’ drop-in sessions throughout this week, giving visitors the chance to speak directly with the volunteers and staff who help keep the much-loved heritage attraction thriving.
Held at the Visitor Centre and across the 70-acre site near Holywell, the sessions have showcased the huge variety of volunteering opportunities available – from heritage research, gardening and events to museum care, rail and steam, fishing, historic machinery and visitor support.
Greenfield Valley volunteers and staff have also been out in the community during the celebrations, including attending the busy Holywell Half Term Spring Event and Market Relaunch in Tower Gardens and the High Street.
Chair of Greenfield Valley Trust Ian Brebner said the week has highlighted the incredible contribution volunteers make to the organisation and the wider community.
“Volunteers are absolutely central to everything we do at Greenfield Valley,” he said.
“They help us preserve and share an important part of Flintshire’s heritage while creating a welcoming environment for thousands of visitors every year.
“National Volunteers’ Week has been a fantastic opportunity for people to come along, meet the team and discover just how varied and rewarding volunteering here can be.
“We are always keen to welcome new volunteers and trustees who can help us continue building for the future – they are the beating heart of the Valley.”
The Trust currently works with more than 50 volunteers across a wide range of roles and was recently awarded the prestigious Investing in Volunteers accreditation in recognition of the way it supports and values its volunteer team.
Countryside Sites Team Leader Helen Mrowiec said the response to their activities had been extremely positive, with many visitors stopping by to find out more about getting involved.
“It has been wonderful to see so many people taking the time to speak to our staff and volunteers,” she said.
“For some, it has been about learning more about the Valley and the work that happens behind the scenes, while others are already exploring ways they can contribute themselves.
“There is still opportunity for people to come along during the remaining sessions this week, have an informal chat and see whether volunteering could be for them.”
Remaining drop-in sessions include Heritage Research volunteers on Wednesday June 3 from 10am-10.30am, followed by Events and Activities volunteers from 2pm-2.30pm. On Thursday June 4, visitors can meet both the Heritage Garden and Community Garden volunteers from 10.30am-12pm, while Rail and Steam volunteers will host a session at the Lower Cotton Mill on Tuesday June 9 from 11.30am-12pm.
Alongside recruiting volunteers, Greenfield Valley Trust is also encouraging people with experience in areas such as heritage, conservation, education and law to consider joining its Board of Trustees as part of ambitious long-term plans for the site.
The Trust’s wider vision includes improving accessibility across the Valley, expanding experiences and events, achieving museum accreditation and attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually.
