Life as a full time volunteer

When looking to choose a placement for my current degree in Events Management, I was immediately drawn to a position with the National Trust’s Clumber Park; it presented itself as being both a great opportunity and very exciting as I would be involved in a huge variety of events on offer to a wide spectrum of the public. It was for these reasons, and many more, that finally led to me making the choice to volunteer with them and I have now been working at Clumber Park for a year.

Me! On Father Christmas's sleigh

Whilst working here, I have been given the space to create my own events, such as a Halloween Pumpkin Trail, Pancake Fun Day, Easter Celebrations and much much more. On top of this, I have also had the chance to meet, and work with, a number of external companies, including Race for Life, Trailblazer and Illyria, who all host events here at Clumber Park. This gave me the chance to expand my skills in managing events and communication, and also allowed me to help with Traffic Management Plans, Event Plans, Staff/Volunteer rotas and Risk Assessments. 

Enjoying our Easter Egg trails

Completing and finding out about writing and carrying out a Risk Assessment has been a huge learning curve for me. Each detail constantly needs to be checked and staff and visitors need to be made aware of any risks or dangers that could occur from the events. This is particularly important when I help set up the events, i.e. putting up marquees and gazebos. I have to make sure that the area we will place the structures has been checked, that the staff and volunteers who help are aware of the risks and that they are given clear information on how to erect the structure safely.

Not only have I had the chance to plan, organise and execute these events, I’ve also been given the opportunity to market them, which includes creating posters, dealing with printing companies, creating poster and leaflet schedules and making sure our Admissions and Admin team who deal with the public directly know what information needs to go out to the visitors.

One particularly exciting part of my work here is that I am responsible for wedding enquiries that the organisation receives. It is then my job to process the enquiry, show the couple around our various reception and ceremony sites, create a contract, collect the deposit and final payment, set up the area and also be there on the night to make sure the evening runs smoothly. This is hugely rewarding because you are able to take part in a very special day in the couple’s lives.

This is all just a tiny fraction of the work I do at Clumber Park, and while it is a lot of hard work, it is an extremely fun and rewarding experience. I have gained a great deal of knowledge that I will be able to carry on into my final year of University and in any job I go into. 

My view of the Pleasure Ground and Lake

It also helps that all of this hard work is accompanied by an incredibly beautiful setting. I am able to wake up every day with a breath-taking view to look out on, which makes the whole experience truly worthwhile!

Miriam Kirby

Events Assistant