Volunteer – Museum Steward

Fordingbridge Museum is a small local Museum which is entirely run by volunteers. It covers the social history of the area for the last 150 years. From Easter till the end of the October half term, the Museum is open free to visitors from 11am until 4pm.

The Stewards greet visitors and make them feel welcome in the Museum. Few exhibits are behind glass and visitors are encourage to play the pianola, use the dressing up clothes, play shove halfpenny and other simple activities.

The stewarding sessions are from 11am until1.30pm or 1.30pm until 4pm. There is no need to commit to a regular day and time, though that is possible if it is your preference. Training and support are given. No prior knowledge of history or the area are necessary.

The Museum is on two floors with no lift. Stewards are encouraged to interact with visitors, but it is possible to sit down as frequently as necessary.

There is a Stewards Handbook on the Steward’s desk to cover most eventualities. However, the role is mainly that of greeting visitors and assisting them to enjoy their visit.

The Museum needs several new stewards to spread the load for the existing stewards. Please feel free to encourage a friend to volunteer with you.

Skills

• Have an open and friendly manner
• Be a good listener
• Know when to offer help and when to give people space
• Be supportive of those with disabilities, seeking ways to include them
• Have a willingness to learn

Situated on the edge of the New Forest, in the old market town of Fordingbridge on the Hampshire Avon, our small museum is housed on two floors of an old granary and is run by volunteers.