Do you live in Bedford?
Yes, around a ten minute walk from The Higgins Bedford.
How long have you been volunteering at The Higgins Bedford?
This June will mark my 21st year as a volunteer here.
How many hours a week do you volunteer at The Higgins Bedford?
As I largely work with children and families it can vary depending on what time of year it is, or on how many school groups we have visiting.
Do you volunteer anywhere else?
Yes, I am actually a trustee of three local charities in Bedford.
What do you do at The Higgins Bedford?
I largely do creativity sessions with children and families during the school holidays and at special events; I also work with school groups that visit us. I help with all sorts of activities – printmaking, model making, collages workshops, painting, drawing, and even handling the artefacts. Helping children and young people understand the process and create something that they are proud of is immensely rewarding.
Why did you decide to volunteer at The Higgins Bedford?
I am a big fan of The Higgins Bedford and its wonderful collections. I love working with children and sharing my enthusiasm for this fantastic resource that we are able to enjoy in Bedford.
What do you like about volunteering?
Many different aspects, the variety of activity; the camaraderie of working with such a great team of staff and volunteers; the constant learning experience available to us; and working with children from the local community. Parents and children recognise me when I am out and about in Bedford which is always a lovely surprise.
What do you do while you are not volunteering?
For the first eleven years of volunteering at The Higgins Bedford I was still working full-time but I have since retired. I like to go to concerts and exhibitions; meet friends; and attend classes.
Published 27th May 2016