VOLUNTEER recruitment days are being hosted later this month by the National Trust at Dunster Castle and Watermill, and Coleridge Cottage, in Nether Stowey.
The trust is looking for people to join the teams in the two historic properties to welcome visitors, serve teas, and drive the castle’s courtesy vehicle, helping guests share the rich heritage of the buildings.
The Dunster Castle volunteer sessions will be held in the Tenants’ Hall on Thursday and Friday, February 22 and 23, from 10 am to 2 pm, where they can chat with heads of department and find out more about becoming involved in the ‘special place’.
Potential volunteers for Coleridge Cottage are being invited on Monday, February 19, from 11 am to 2 pm, to chat to staff and volunteers about being part of the team that brings the famous poet’s home to life.
Elsewhere in the Dunster Castle grounds, volunteers can tend to the 42 acres of garden and parkland, join the facilities team, or share traditional milling techniques at the working watermill, while making new friends and ensuring the property is looked after for generations to come.
Dunster mill volunteer Gail Brooks said: “Where can you not only get to understand and explain how past lives were lived, but also experience it for yourself?
“The answer is, Dunster working watermill.
“I love being part of the team bringing the mill to life and keeping the practice of traditional milling going to this day.”
Once home to the Luttrell family, Dunster Castle encourages visitors to find out more about life in the ancient castle-turned-comfortable-country-home by reading about the family, exploring the four different microclimates in the garden, or seeing Dunster flour being milled at the working watermill.
Dunster Castle and Watermill volunteering and community officer Amy Wigglesworth said: “Our volunteers always provide a memorable experience for visitors.
“Whether they volunteer to share their knowledge and passion, for companionship or to keep fit and healthy, there really is something for everybody.”
Coleridge Cottage also has a variety of opportunities available, with roles including welcoming visitors and sharing stories of the cottage, caring for its collection, or serving visitors in the tearoom.
Home of romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge between 1797 and 1799, Coleridge Cottage encourages visitors to find out how family life, friendships, and the Quantock Hills inspired his poetry, by reading about the extraordinary man, relaxing by the open fire, and enjoying a poet’s lunch in the tearoom.
Coleridge site manager Charlotte Hall said: “Coleridge Cottage would not be able to function without our amazing team of volunteers.
“You do not need to be an expert in all things Coleridge, just be curious and willing to learn new skills.”