Volunteer Roles at Tatton

 

 

Across Tatton Park we have over 100 volunteers who are integral to the operation of the Parkland, Mansion, Farm and Gardens. They assist us in making sure that our award-winning attractions, environment and events continue to welcome people from all over the country.

Our volunteers help us deliver the best possible experience for visitors on their day out at Tatton Park, and this can only be made possible by their time. Each volunteer's contribution to this process is as important as everyone else’s, no matter what role.

We aim to:

• Provide an enjoyable experience and excellent service
• Show leadership in rural, heritage, conservation and tourism fields and make an active contribution to the local community
• Reflect the values and standards of the Council and key partners, including the National Trust

Volunteer roles in the Mansion:

Mobility Buggy Driver Volunteer

Mobility buggy drivers operate the new Tatton Park 7-seater electric buggy, within the grounds of Tatton Park, to assist visitors with mobility difficulties access the Mansion and Stableyard from the Visitor Carpark.

What's involved:

• During high season (end March to end October) and during Christmas events (mid November to beginning January), driving the electric mobility bus between the Welcome Building on the main Visitor Carpark and the Mansion.
• Being a key member of the visitor welcome team by offering a warm welcome to all visitors arriving at Tatton Park.
• Complying with the Buggy Driver’s safety information, collecting the buggy from its overnight storage and safely storing it away at the end of the day and putting it on to charge.
• Carrying out daily start up and maintenance checks on the buggy in line with the Buggy Driver’s Manual, ensuring that it is safe to use and reporting if there are any faults to the Duty Manager before use.
• Assisting visitors to exit and enter the bus, giving priority to wheelchair uses. Being aware of the different access requirements of all our visitors and assisting with these where necessary.
• Safe operation of the wheelchair ramp and ensuring wheelchairs are secured correctly.
• Having friendly conversation with visitors about Tatton Park attractions and facilities. Developing a good knowledge of Tatton Park, including its history, and knowing your way around so that you can provide directions for visitors.
• Use of the radio to liaise with Mansion staff to organise drop off and collection of visitors on the Mansion Forecourt.
• Happy to work outdoors in all weather conditions. The vehicle is left hand drive in an enclosed weatherproof cab but assisting visitors and wheelchair users requires being outdoors.
• MiDAS training and training in safe operation of an electric vehicle will be given.
• Enjoying yourself and enjoying our beautiful place.

 

 For enquiries please contact:

vicky.rowbotham@cheshireeast.gov.uk or Carolyn.Latham@cheshireeast.gov.uk or ring 01625 374408/9. Read the full role description below.

Mobility Buggy Driver Role description (PDF)

 

Volunteer roles in the Gardens:

If you are interested in joining our keen group of garden volunteers, please contact us via email tatton@cheshireeast.gov.uk or see more information on the Garden page here

 

 

Volunteer roles at the Old Hall

This opportunity involves a variety of tasks to help prepare the Old Hall and its grounds for visitors, school groups and events. Working with the small Old Hall team they assist with general upkeep tasks, ensuring visitors have an opportunity to visit this hidden gem at the heart of the Tatton estate. The Old Hall is the oldest surviving building at Tatton with parts dating back to 1490; it was the Manor house until the new Mansion was built in the 18th Century. Set within its own walls in the middle of the estate it is primarily used for school visits, with a future view to holding historically themed events such as Medieval Fayres and Viking days, open air theatre and also guided tours to general visitors throughout the summer. 

For more information visit our Old Hall page here or contact jon.barber@cheshireeast.gov.uk

 

 

Volunteer roles at the Farm

Mill machinery and steam engine demonstrators and maintainers:

This will involve regular running of our 1940’s mill machinery and steam engine and maintaining the machines to a high standard. Not a front of house role but there will be opportunity to chat to our visitors about the machines and the mill if comfortable. Full training provided. A love of machines and tinkering and agricultural heritage and history would be beneficial.

Guiders:

We need people to help deliver a family friendly ‘Horrible Histories’ style tour of the Mill. This is a front of house role with lots of interaction with visitors. Full training will be provided. Confidence in talking to small groups and enthusiasm are essential.

Character Volunteers:

We have several 1940’s characters here at The Farm, all of which are based on the real people who lived and worked here at that time:

Aunt Mary, Mr Wiglesworth the Land Agent, Albert Belsham the Teamsman, Nancy Pringle the Land Army girl, Herbert Chesworth the Miller, plus a ‘modern’ miller character! These are front of house roles, chatting to and educating the visitors about what life was like here on the farm in the 1940’s. Full training provided.

Donkey handlers:

We are looking for volunteers to help us exercise and train our three donkeys in order to keep them fit and stimulated. Past experience with equines would be beneficial.

If you are interested in any of these roles, send an email to Eleanor.edwards@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Role profile: TATTON PARK Learning and Interpretation Volunteer

Volunteer roles in the Parkland

We are currently fully subscribed for Parkland volunteers, but please keep an eye on our social media and website pages for future opportunities.

Volunteer roles in the Preloved Bookshop

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a new venture at Tatton. 

We are working with the Tatton Park Charitable Trust to develop a pre-loved bookshop in the Stable Yard, all funds raised through book sales will be reinvested in Tatton Park through Charitable Trust grants to projects and other initiatives across the estate.

Volunteers will help to set up the shop and get it ready for opening. Once it is up and running, they will spend time in the shop, keeping it tidy and well stocked, developing attractive displays and suggesting and managing promotions. They will also help promote the shop to park staff and volunteers, and visitors, to encourage the donation of more stock.

What’s involved?

• Assisting us to set up the shop from ideas to opening (if recruited before the shop has opened).
• Keeping the shop well stocked, tidy, and looking great.
• Welcoming guests and providing assistance.
• Helping us to promote the opportunity to donate stock.
• Sorting donated stock ready for sale.
• Providing feedback to the Charitable Trust team on customer requests and other ideas to improve the shop.
• Getting involved in developing promotions, displays and other activities to promote the shop.
• There may be other activities where we could use your help.

 This role will suit people who…

• Live locally or have a love for books and reading.
• Want to support the work of Tatton Park and help us to ensure visitors have a great experience when they visit.
• Enjoy engaging with the public and working with a broad range of people from different backgrounds.

For more information contact mikeward3@gmail.com