Here at Revealing Oldknow's Legacy we are uncovering fascinating facts about Samuel Oldknow's life and work in Marple and Mellor. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in what we do - from taking part in our archaeological digs, helping to put together a digital archive on all things Oldknow, helping us with gardening at our sites, or sharing our knowledge with local schools and guided tour groups. Whether you want to learn more about where you live, gain skills for your CV, or just get involved with a great community project, we probably have just the thing to interest you!
Here are some of our current volunteer opportunities...
Learning Volunteers
We are setting up a new team of learning volunteers who will lead workshops, guided walks and activities aimed at introducing the rich heritage and nature of Mellor Mill, Marple Lime Kilns and the Peak Forest Canal to children and families. You will be making sure every aspect of the session runs smoothly and will pride yourself in making sure our visitors want to come back. There will be opportunities to visit local schools to deliver outreach sessions, and more informal learning activities with families and special interest groups. The role would particularly suit people with experience of working with children and families; however, training will be given in delivery and outreach work by Canal & River Trust staff. If you are interested in this opportunity, we are holding an information session on Tuesday 1 November at Marple Library, 2pm to 4pm. Drop in and find out more!
Research & Archive Volunteers
If you love delving into old documents, searching through old photographs, and learning about local and family history, then this part of our project is the one for you! We are creating a digital archive of documents and photographs relating to Samuel Oldknow and his life and work in and around Marple. We have an established group of volunteers collating this information (our Research & Archive Group), and they are now at the stage of putting what they have found into our digital archive. The Research & Archive Group are looking for volunteers to help with scanning and uploading documents to our digital Oldknow archive. This can be done either at home or using facilities at Marple Library - whichever works best for you. This is a flexible opportunity which can easily work around your other commitments. Email [email protected] if this is something you are interested in.
Visitor Survey Volunteers (Audience Research)
We are looking for volunteers to help us complete visitor surveys at Mellor Mill, Marple Lime Kilns and Marple Aqueduct, as well as at future Oldknow events. This opportunity would suit you if you are confident and enjoy talking to people as it involves taking visitors through a number of questions and recording their answers electronically. This research will inform future events and help the project to gather evidence for the funders of how we are enthusing and involving people (We hope). You will get all the training and guidance to support you in this task.
You would need to travel to one of our three sites to complete the surveys, while data entry can be completed from any computer with internet access. If you are interested in this opportunity, we have a session on conducting visitor surveys at Marple Library on 1 November, 10am to 12pm. Come along to find out more.
Practical & Hands-On
We also have opportunities to get involved in tidying up towpaths and steps around England’s tallest Aqueduct; archaeological digs at the site of Oldknow’s former Mansion, Mellor Mill and at Marple Lime Kilns; or in helping to create and maintain landscape and gardens. Email us on [email protected].
If you have any questions about any of our opportunities, our Volunteer Coordinator, Vicky Entwistle, is here to answer them - just drop her a line at [email protected].
