Volunteer

Tell us a bit about yourself

Before I retired I was a primary headteacher in Bolton but in the last seven years of my career I was working as a consultant to the Department for Education on various projects like extended schools. My husband Brian and I live in Helmshore and we do a lot of travelling as we have family in China and the USA and a caravan on the north Wales coast. We’ve got four grown up children and three granddaughters plus an allotment and a Pets as Therapy dog Polly so we’re busy!

What did you do before volunteering?

m a painter so a lot of my time was spent in my studio. I keep a journal, using it as a sketchbook and record of what I’m doing. I’ve run workshops and had exhibitions. I’ve taken part in the Rossendale Art Trail since the beginning, but sadly not this year. I sell my work online through my website. I also sew and knit and am a member of various groups. I’m still doing all these things!

Why did you start volunteering?

Living in Rossendale and bringing up two children here, the Whitaker was a big part of my life. We used to come a lot. I love the arts and culture and having a beautiful museum on my doorstep which had just been refurbished so when the call went out for volunteers it was too good an opportunity to miss.

What do you enjoy most about The Whitaker?

It’s such a vibrant creative space in a a historic building, full of beautiful things, ever changing exhibitions, lovely cafe, great shop, film nights and friendly hard working people. I love coming here. There’s always something new to see. The volunteers are very valued snd there’s lots of choice where you can bring your skills and experience. You feel listened to.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a volunteer?

Give it a try! There is plenty to do and you can pick your area of interest. You don’t have to be an expert, just enjoy meeting and talking to people. You’ll learn a lot, make friends and be in a lovely building plus you’re being a real help.

You’ll be involved in whatever is going on and that gives you a real buzz.

At the moment it’s summer which is a challenge for me as volunteering takes a back seat for the present as I cope with family visits and the garden/ allotment – but this is the beauty of it – you can give it lots of time or a little, whatever you can manage. Any time you can give is always appreciated.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve lived in Rossendale for 45 years, I came to the Valley from Manchester to start a job after graduating. I really enjoyed the contrast between the large city that I had been brought up in and the former mill towns in the Valley surrounded by fabulous countryside. I worked i n the public sector all my working life and retired five years ago.

What did you do before volunteering?

I was a Town Planner for the Local Authority. In the last 15 years I worked for other authorities in Lancaster and Preston.

Why did you start volunteering?

I wanted to contribute something to the community and occupy myself in an area where I had no experience. I am interested in history and art in a general manner. I wanted to engage with other volunteers and visitors in a stimulative and friendly environment and The Whitaker fits the bill in every respect. Volunteering at The Whitaker has been a really positive experience that I look forward to continuing with and doing new things in the museum.

What do you enjoy most about The Whitaker?

The welcoming and friendly atmosphere and being able to engage with visitors and contribute to their experience of the museum.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a volunteer?

Don’t hesitate. If you are interested in joining a friendly team, learning about collections and the history of the Rossendale Valley and enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, it is the perfect place to start.

We sat down with Peter Barlass. Peter used to draw in secret – with his drawings kept in a draw where you could never find them when you wanted them.

Until one day, at 78 years old, he started to share his drawings on social media.

One artist, who was exhibiting at The Whitaker at the time, saw the images and asked Peter to share one of his drawings in the exhibition.

From this, Peter got more involved with The Whitaker and began attended our Artist Network Support meetings; receiving insight and guidance from our Creative Director, Gaynor Seville.

“I suddenly found myself finding out about the world and sort of becoming a lot more self confident about it”.

As fate would have it, The Whitaker put forward an opportunity of putting Peter’s drawings into the Corridor Gallery at The Whitaker. At 79 years old, Peter’s art was on exhibition for the first time.

Since then, Peter has begun volunteering with his wife, Judith, and is part of the installation team. Volunteering has allowed Peter to think about how exhibitions were set up, taken down, and has been introduced to a number of artists who part of the exhibition calendar, gaining insight into what’s going on in the art world.

“I think by the time you get to 79 years old, you feel like you ought to be old, but inside you feel just like you always did, and I think the key to doing that is to keep your eyes open for new opportunities. Doors never actually close, it’s the mind that closes.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m Laura, I have been volunteering at The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery for over a year now.  I have been a full time Mum for 25 years to my three children.  I decided to start volunteering to meet new people. I used to volunteer at The Adrenaline in Haslingden and I helped in the gym, eight years ago I decided to go to Accrington College and do the Gym Instructor course which then led me to doing the Personal Trainer course.  It was great to get some experience of working in the gym.    I also did Reiki level 1 & 2 courses which I really enjoyed.  For the past 10 years I’ve been on the Friends committee at Helmshore Textile Museums, I’m Chairman of The Friends and have enjoyed many years organising events and doing fundraising for the Museum, it’s been a big part of my life.

I have lived in Helmshore for 26 years and I am married with three grown up children.

Why did you start volunteering at The Whitaker?

I started volunteering mainly to meet new people and to help others, I love to chat to people and learn new skills.  I have plenty of time on my hands now although I do spend a lot of time organising events at the Mill for The Friends of Helmshore Textile Museums but I also have time to give to The Whitaker as a volunteer too.

What do you enjoy most about The Whitaker?

It is a great place to meet new people and learnt new skills, I’ve also made new friends and get to volunteer with my Mum on a Friday afternoon.   Volunteering at The Whitaker has given me more confidence and a new experience learning about different aspects of art and culture.

All the staff are really friendly and welcoming.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a volunteer?

Being a volunteer is great, you can work the hours you want to do and there are lots of different opportunities around the Museum, meet new people and work as part of a team.

Tell us a little bit about yourself 

I’m Gill. I have been volunteering at The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery for nearly two years.

I work full time as a social worker managing a children’s home and volunteering at the weekend in my spare time.

I have lived in the valley for over 20 years. I am married with two grown up children.

Why did you start volunteering at The Whitaker? 

I started volunteering when I took a short break from work and absolutely loved it, so I carried on when I went back to work!

At the time, my youngest daughter, Rhea, was volunteering before going back to university, and it was her that suggested I give it a go – definatley good advice!

What do you enjoy most about The Whitaker 

It is a great place to meet lots of new people, and I have made some amazing friends.

I really enjoy learning about the museum and it has sparked an interest in art which I never knew I had!

There are lots of opportunities to get involved and different aspects of the museum and art gallery and it has even allowed me to exhibit a piece of my own artwork.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a volunteer? 

Definitely give it a go! There is something for everyone, and there’s lots of opportunities.

There is lots of flexibility as to when you can volunteer so it’s great to fit around other commitments.

It’s a great place to learn new things, develop new interests and be part of a great team.

Tell us a little bit about yourself 

I’m Benyamin, I’m 39 and I’m from Iran. I came to the UK around eleven months ago and I have lived in Rawtenstall for about six months. 

I am a fashion photographer – mostly the editorial type of photography. 

I’m also a sports trainer – a personal trainer – teaching mainly swimming, and kickboxing as well! 

Back in Iran I enjoyed hobbies such as cooking or baking.  

I’m married and I have three fantastic children. 

Why did you start volunteering at The Whitaker? 

I know volunteering is very important to everyone, because if you want to create a good society you have to try and help each other.  

I went to Haslingden community centre, and I spoke to Mr. Muhannad Karzoun who was already volunteering here, and he introduced me to The Whitaker. 

Museums are a very important place for any community, in any area, in any country – it’s important to introduce culture and history to other people, and to new people. It’s especially important for children – if children know about the arts and the background about their country, or any country, then it creates a good future for them. They can create a better future for everyone. 

That’s why I try to find a few places to volunteer, and when I found out about The Whitaker I decided to help.  

What do you enjoy most about The Whitaker 

The enjoy the background and history of the community… 

Did you know that over 1000 years ago there was a big forest here, and wealthy people used to hunt animals – there were enormous animals here, but now they have vanished!   

Then we moved onto the industrial side of the valley – the mills, the factories and the train [East Lancashire Railway]. This area has a lot of history.  

Also, as an editorial photographer, I know The Whitaker supports artists, and this is very interesting to me. Back in my country we have a lot of museums, but not many museums and galleries care about new artists – it was just for those who were famous. But here, they introduce new artists and support new artists which I really value.  

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a volunteer? 

Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and makes you feel good about what you do.  

Volunteering is one of the things you can do to learn about the culture of your environment – about the people, their lives and how they live. 

Also, most importantly, you can find new friends. In the six months I have been here, I am made so many friends and this is really good for me so I’m not on my own; I have people around me who care.