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Volunteering

INTRODUCTION

The National Tramway Museum/Crich Tramway Village has always relied on its volunteers. Volunteers established the Museum in 1959 and have been responsible for its development into what it is today. Volunteers continue to play an important part in the day-to-day running of the Museum. An elected Board of members, who are volunteers, manages the Museum.

The Museum has a world-class collection of trams that are displayed in a period street setting. Staff and volunteers have active roles to play in its day to day running, its future and its continued viability.

VOLUNTEERS

Crich Tramway Village recognises and values the commitment individual volunteers from all walks of life who give their time, energy and skills to the benefit of the museum and:

Promotes a flexible approach to using and developing the skills of volunteers for the mutual benefit of the individual volunteer and the Museum.

Values the contribution made to the Museum by both staff and volunteers.

Support and training is given when required.

Encourages and welcomes volunteers

Promotes a flexible approach to using and developing the skills of volunteers for the mutual benefit of the individual volunteer and the Museum.

Values the contribution made to the Museum by both staff and volunteers.

Support and training is given when required

SOCIAL EVENTS

Volunteering can be fun. It’s an opportunity to use existing skills, learn new skills and make new friends. Social events are held at the museum throughout the year for members, friends and volunteers. The Red Lion has become a popular venue. Typical events include the President’s Evening after the AGM, Christmas and New Year Celebrations and informal ‘apres event’ relaxation.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

Amenities Department

This includes gardening, street cleaning, rubbish collection, lamp cleaning and all the other little jobs, which make our Museum presentable to our visitors. A very satisfying job where you can actually see what you have achieved for your efforts. This job is open to all age groups. There is always a large range of tasks to do, and you are very welcome to choose which you would like. Suitable outdoor clothing or overalls and a sunny smile essential, equipment is provided.

Audio Visual & Public Address Systems

The Museum has several AV systems and CCTV. If you have skills in this area, there could be interesting work for you in keeping our systems working, or setting up one off systems for events.

Catering and Retail

Help to open our seasonal outlets at Wakebridge and the Ice Cream Kiosk at Town End, serve customers in the Scothern and Williamson or Barnett’s sweet shop, clear tables in Rita’s Tearooms, or even work behind the bar. Dress for the catering outlets is "black white", black trousers or skirt with a white top. However, warm clothing would seem to be necessary as well depending on our weather!

Electrical Systems

Help to keep the power flowing, can you mend fuses and maintain wiring? This is an essential and worthwhile area of Museum life. Overalls and stout footwear are needed.
If you are a qualified electrician or electrical engineer there may be scope for you to be involved with the site electrical systems. Clearly, however, because of Health and Safety, legal and insurance requirements, any involvement has to come strictly under control and supervision of the Electrical Services Department, and all volunteers will have to satisfy the Museum's competence assessment procedures.

Events

The Museum has a committed Events Team, which arranges events throughout the season. These events are hard work to organise but are enjoyed by the public and the volunteers find them good fun too. Volunteers are needed to help with the organisation and then on the day. These roles vary from parking cars, crowd control, running the Red Lion or acting in a scenario for example.

Interior and Exterior Tram Cleaning

This is an essential activity without which trams cannot be put into public service in the historically appropriate way. It backs up all the efforts of the other departments. No experience is necessary but overalls, warm clothing and patience are. This is an ideal family experience. Materials will be provided but bring your own elbow grease.

Library and Archives

The Museum’s Library holds a unique collection of tramway books, pamphlets, reports and Acts of Parliament and the Archive holds records of transport operators as well as the minutes of associations. The Museum also holds an extensive journal collection and the Photograph and Film archive. You can come along to help look after this unique collection housed in the John Price Memorial Library.

Museum Guide

Use the art of public speaking and provide a welcome service to our visitors. As a Guide you will be able to answer visitors” questions about the collection and the Museum, and show guided parties around the site to add value to their visit. Suitable clothing should be worn, as much of this activity takes place outside.

Office

Office skills are always welcome, especially if you can help answer the telephone at weekends or assist with Museum administration.

Outside Works

Our many buildings form the backdrop to our trams. Can you help keep them in good order? Window frames, doors, gutters, railings etc. are crying out for attention. Alternatively, you may have particular skills or just an interest in permanent way and maintaining the track so that the tram service can operate. We'll supply the tools and materials if you supply the labour and suitable clothing.

Telephones

Are you a communications buff? It does not matter, come and help maintain our own telephone system. Computer literacy, warm clothing and head for heights an advantage.

Traction Power Supply

Come and help with work to ensure a constant power supply to the trams. Electrical and Engineering skills an advantage.

Traffic Department

This is life at the 'sharp end', by working on the trams in the traditional way on public service and meeting visitors. Join an enthusiastic team for an introduction to conductor training, taking you through the theory and how to change points and operate overhead frogs on the depot fan. All of our drivers must complete a period as a conductor so this is the first step to one day becoming a qualified tram driver!! Smart clothing and sturdy footwear is a necessity.

The Workshop

No previous skills or experience needed, participate in all stages of maintenance and restoration in a warm friendly atmosphere. Those with qualifications and skills may be asked to join in more advanced work. Overalls and proper safety footwear are necessary, hard hats are provided.

Your Skills

You may have other skills that you feel could help the Society. There are many administrative jobs that can be done away from the site to help keep the Society and the Museum running. Other roles could include first aid, human resources, health and safety, information technology and many more. A Doctor or Nurse prepared to undertake medicals for safety critical work for example.

If you would like to get involved please contact Lynda Wright, Chairman of the Membership Committee on 01773 854321 or by