Geoff, John and Peter, site support volunteers at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

Geoff, John and Peter volunteer at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, supporting various tasks needed to keep the site and grounds looking great. From cutting hedges and mowing grass to repairing benches and even doing some woodwork, they enjoy the challenge and opportunity to do something different.

Geoff has volunteered at Gressenhall since 2018. Initially working with collections, he moved towards site support when looking for more opportunities to work outside in Gressenhall's stunning grounds. The team grew as John joined Geoff after hearing about the site, and Peter started on the team when he retired. Peter said: "My wife works at Gressenhall in Visitor Services and loves it. I needed a new hobby, and she persuaded me to have a go!"

The team all enjoys the variety of tasks and opportunity to work outside. No two days are the same. It's also a chance to be creative and do jobs that appeal to them. Geoff added: "I do lots of woodworking at home and it was great to use those skills to create signs for a new woodland path at the museum. My work is also on display on Cherry Tree Cottage to be enjoyed by visitors."

Most of all, the team enjoys the social side of volunteering, and their coffee breaks in the café. John said: "It was really important to me that I could have a laugh. Gressenhall is like a big family."

When asked what they'd say to other people thinking about volunteering, they said: "Just give it a go! Try different things and find what suits you."

Photo: John (left), Peter (centre) and Geoff (right) next a sign for the woodland path that the team made and put up.