Volunteers' Page

News

FAQ

Welcome to the volunteers' page. We hope this page will answer all of your questions about volunteering at Poulton. 

Q.            Can anyone become a volunteer at Poulton?

A             Yes, just about anybody.  if you are interested in archaeology and getting your hands  dirty. There are a range of ways that you can help – so even if you are not up to some of the heavier work, there will be plenty for you to do.

Q.            Are there any age restrictions?

A.             If you are between 16 and 100, you will be welcome. The site is not suitable for small children, but adult volunteers with older children, who are  interested in joining in, may be allowed on site at the discretion of the Site Consultant. Please check beforehand.

Q.           I have a physical disability. Can I become a volunteer?    

A.            The site can be difficult, especially in poor weather, so your ability to participate might be limited. But there are jobs that you may be able to do. Please check with Alan Wilmshurst

Q             When do you go on site?

A.             We meet up on site every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 10.00 to 13.00. In the winter, the site may be closed for longer periods of time – volunteers are contacted by email to let them know when the site will be closed.

 Q.           Is there a charge for volunteering?

A.            Yes, we ask volunteers to contribute a minimum of £60 per annum. This can be waived for full-time students and unwaged volunteers. You can give us more if you like!  We are always looking for extra funding.  Please complete the Volunteer Contributions Form once you decide to become a regular.

 Q.           I’m not sure I want to volunteer on a regular basis. Can I come down to see if I like it?

A.            Of course.  Please  contact Chris Caroe and arrange an initial visit to our site.  You will not be pressed to make a financial contribution for  a few weeks, until you have decided if this is for you.

Q.            Will I receive any training when I  start to volunteer?

A.            You  will be briefed about Heath and Safety on your first visit. Some one will “buddy” you when you first start to volunteer and  give you some informal training. The site manager will oversee your activities and ensure that you are developing the correct techniques,  Volunteers are encouraged  to take part in some of the formal training sessions that take place  over Easter and during the summer, to improve their skills. There are charges for these training courses.  If you complete a full weeks training, you will receive a certificate.

 Q.           What sort  of activities do you do?

A.            You will be shown how to do basic  excavation, and how to use your  trowel properly.  Volunteers may be involved excavating skeletons in our graveyard, trowelling  any excavated trench,  washing finds and  marking finds. There is often a lot of heavy work too, digging trenches with mattocks and spades. As you become more experienced, you may be shown how to do surveying, drawing and photography.

 Q.           How do you organise  things at Poulton?

A.            On site, the practical work is organised by the Mike Emery (consultant) and Alan Wilmshurst (site supervisor).  Poulton  is managed as a Charitable Trust, and Trust members have organised various support groups  to ensure that all the activities at Poulton are running smoothly. Once you have been with us for a while, there will be opportunities for you to join in with some of these volunteer groups. 

 Q.           Do you have any social activities too?

A.            Volunteers usually go together to the pub after our Saturday morning sessions! Mike runs various archaeological evening classes at West Chester College, which you will be encouraged to join. We are hoping to organise some trips this year to visit other archaeological sites. The season will end with a site tour and BBQ then we will finish the year off with a Christmas meal together in December.

 Q.           Can I come and help on site at other times?

A.            You cannot come on site unless Mike or Alan are there, for health and safety reasons. However, if the site is open with Mike and/or Alan in attendance, and if there is work to be done, you will be most welcome during the week.  You will need to arrange this in advance with Mike or Alan. 

 Q.           If I decide not be volunteer, are they other ways I can help?

A.            Yes, you can become  a Friend of Poulton  and support us financially. As a friend of Poulton, you will receive a twice-yearly newsletter and details of training and of any events.

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