Why I volunteer
Ian Jones, Bede's World, Jarrow
“Bede’s World museum is dedicated to the life and times of the Venerable Bede and includes a working reconstructed Anglo-Saxon farm and buildings.
I volunteer in the herb garden, which is based on plants and designs appropriate to the Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Paul and the medieval Benedictine monastery that took its place.
The garden was recreated in 1978 and is a haven for wildlife. I act as a guide and help organise the planting and maintenance, meeting people who are interested in the uses of – and stories associated with – herbs.
I began volunteering after attending a course on herbs held at Bede’s World approximately 14 years ago; the organiser subsequently asked members if they could help to maintain the herb garden as it was overgrown.
I am a retired electrical design engineer. My experience of designing and managing electrical projects was useful in planning work in the herb garden, while previous computing experience is also useful in carrying out herb-related education projects.
The herb garden’s helpers won the 2014 North East England Christian Marsh Award for museum volunteers and were joint winners of the Great British award.”
I volunteer in the herb garden, which is based on plants and designs appropriate to the Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Paul and the medieval Benedictine monastery that took its place.
The garden was recreated in 1978 and is a haven for wildlife. I act as a guide and help organise the planting and maintenance, meeting people who are interested in the uses of – and stories associated with – herbs.
I began volunteering after attending a course on herbs held at Bede’s World approximately 14 years ago; the organiser subsequently asked members if they could help to maintain the herb garden as it was overgrown.
I am a retired electrical design engineer. My experience of designing and managing electrical projects was useful in planning work in the herb garden, while previous computing experience is also useful in carrying out herb-related education projects.
The herb garden’s helpers won the 2014 North East England Christian Marsh Award for museum volunteers and were joint winners of the Great British award.”