We have many wonderful volunteers who add hugely to the enjoyment of our visitors through a variety of means.

We encourage and welcome volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds.  We can make effective use of almost any skill, experience, talent or time a volunteer can offer.

We host an open-morning for Volunteers and enquirers on the second Wednesday of each month between 10.30am and 12.30pm – known as the ‘Chocolate Biscuit Club’.  This is an opportunity for Volunteers, old and new, to gather together. It’s a chance to meet other like-minded individuals, learn more about current volunteering roles, plus the opportunity to receive updates or training and to gather working parties together for various projects or tasks.

Chocolate Biscuit Club : 10.30am – 12.30pm on the forthcoming dates:
14^th December 2011
11^th January 2012
8^th February 2012
14^th March 2012
11^th April 2012
9^th May 2012
13^th June 2012
11^th July 2012
8^th August 2012
12^th September 2012
10^th October 2012
14^th November 2012
12^th December 2012

We are currently seeking a number of volunteers to undertake several specific projects. Please click here to find out more Volunteer Vacancies

We invite all Volunteers to download the following documents and return them by post, or in person, to Miriam Tong, General Manager, Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection, High Street, Selborne, Hampshire GU34 3JH.

Volunteer Policy
Volunteer Registration Form
Volunteer Medical & Emergency Contact Form
Volunteer Agreement

Showcased below are just some of the areas in which you may wish to become involved.  Training and support is provided as appropriate.

Administration
There are never quite enough hours in the day to complete all of the tasks on our ‘to do list’.  For those who are computer literate, well organised and methodical there are many opportunities to support our small and very busy team of staff.

Costumed Interpretation
Our visitors always enjoy seeing and engaging with costumed volunteers on special event days, but it would be great to have our beautifully made reproduction costumes in more frequent and regular use.

Education Programme Support
We host a programme of formal curriculum linked education sessions and a steadily expanding lifelong learning programme plus many family learning activities.   Additional support with session development, production of materials, marketing, promotion and administration is always invaluable.

Events Stewarding
There are a host of extra tasks to be undertaken to support our busy and varied Events Programme, from visitor greeting and orientation, assisting with car-parking, selling programmes or raffle tickets to assisting with refreshments or supporting our shop staff.  Our Events Manager, Joanna is always keen to recruit additional support.

Flower Arranging
Many of our visitors notice and appreciate our lovely flower arrangements, picked fresh from Gilbert’s garden each week.  We have a rota of dedicated flower arrangers who enjoy refreshing the arrangements, typically each Friday, and for various special events throughout the year.

Gardening
With thirty acres of garden and grounds to care for, our small part-time gardening team, led by Head Gardener, David Standing, receive invaluable support from our ‘Wakes Weeders’ – the band of dedicated garden volunteers who turn out in all seasons and weathers.  Regular days for volunteers are Mondays, Fridays or the first Sunday morning in the month.  Whether you are already a keen gardener or would simply enjoy the fresh air and exercise in a beautiful setting with good companions, you are very welcome.

House Management
This lovely Grade 1 listed property needs an enormous amount of care and maintenance.  Whether you would like to assist with conservation cleaning, some essential decorating or general maintenance tasks, we are always grateful for any additional support we can muster.

Museum & Collections Assistants
We have a fascinating and varied collection of artefacts, archives and books and there is an ongoing need to work on our documentation systems and conservation care of our collection.  Support in this area would generally suit those who prefer to work methodically and independently in a vital backroom role.

Outreach Ambassadors
For those with the confidence and experience of providing outreach, either as a speaker on our behalf, or representing the Museum at shows and exhibitions, there are many opportunities that we could only consider with the support of volunteers.

Room Stewarding
This is a great opportunity for those who love engaging with our visitors.  A friendly, approachable manner is essential and an interest in learning more about our museum and collections.