Why I volunteer - Museums Association

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Why I volunteer

Fred Lee, Ripon Museums Trust, North Yorkshire
Interview by John Holt
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“I came to Ripon seven years ago and, having previously enjoyed volunteering at the Norwich Castle Museum, I decided to volunteer for the Workhouse – the largest of the trust’s three museums. 
My duties mainly comprise of building maintenance, installing displays, making cabinets and providing general help to the curator, manager and education officer.
The Workhouse Museum addresses some of the social consequences of extreme poverty for families and individuals from the 19th century onwards; its functions and administration are explained through records, contemporary comment and includes, for example, a schoolroom and restored garden – the latter provided produce and work for the inmates and staff. 
Over at the Police & Prison Museum, we have recently opened an exhibition called Bobby on a Bike (until 10 August) to celebrate the Tour de France’s Grand Depart in Yorkshire in July. I was involved in the planning and construction of the panelled wall on which we mounted and affixed the bikes and graphics.
After a working life in VAT, voluntary work provides me with the opportunity to practise very different skills I would not otherwise have the means or need to do.”


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