Opening and closing of the museum, being present during opening hours, welcoming and supervising visitors, providing information, and assisting curator.

Detailed description

The Somerset & Dorset Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton is a volunteer-run heritage and tourism attraction in Midsomer Norton. It is also a much-loved community asset. 2022/23 has seen a planned increase in the operating days at the station and we are seeking Volunteer Museums Assistants to help in our fascinating museum.

Purpose

Our collections are housed in a building that started life as a stable for horses which supported the railway. The museum is a key part of the overall station site and adds significant value for visitors. We have a varied collection of items from the S&D railway and other items relating to our environs such as Norton Hill Colliery which was situated close by.

We are committed to ensuring that the museum is open whenever the site is open for public-facing activities.

Location

Midsomer Norton Station, Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2EY.

Responsibilities and duties

The role involves opening and closing of the museum, being present during opening hours, welcoming and supervising visitors, providing information, and assisting the curator with developing the museum as a visitor attraction.

Previous experience is not necessary but a willingness to engage with our visitors is essential. We pride ourselves on our friendliness towards our visitors. An interest in local history/heritage will be an advantage.

You will be working as part of a team and we would normally expect to have a pair of volunteers on open days, but there may be occasions where working solo in the museum is required (although there will always be other people on site and cover available for comfort and meal breaks).

Time Commitment

We usually open on weekends with some planned additional weekdays during the summer. Please see our website for our opening dates for 2022/23. This role is part of a team and successful candidate/s will be asked to liaise with the Museum Curator about their availability and the rota of operating days.

Support

Full training will be offered. Guidance notes on the collection and history of the local area will be provided to help build confidence in engaging with visitor queries.

Getting there

This volunteering opportunity is expired You can find other volunteering opportunities here.

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Midsomer Norton Opportunities > Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust > Volunteer Museum Assistant

About Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust

The Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is a charity based at the Midsomer Norton station on the historic and lamented Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Originally the line connected Bath with Bournemouth and was used for both freight and passenger travel. Locally it was used for travel over the Mendip Hills and at weekends and during the summer its primary customers were thousands of holiday-makers heading to the coast in Dorset. The railway was created in the 1860's and closed in 1966 as part of the Beeching Railway cuts. Since 1995 the Trust has been working to restore the site at Midsomer Norton along with around a mile of railway line and provide both a local community asset and a visitor attraction. Today the site comprises partially restored station buildings, signal box, goods shed and also two museums including one in a WWII Pill Box (a candidate for the smallest museum in Britain).

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