 | | Stunning views at Stourhead |
How would you like to follow in the steps of Keira Knightley? Well we can't promise you a Hollywood movie role but how about a behind-the-scenes look at one of her famous film sets? Stourhead was the stunning location for part of Pride and Prejudice. And you could soon be seeing more of the elegant estate. The National Trust property is one of Wiltshire’s well-known tourist attractions and people in the county with a love of homes and gardens help to keep it looking its best all year round. The regular staff only number around 30 so they depend on more than 200 volunteers who take on a wide range of roles from stewarding in the house to tending plants in the garden. And if wondering what it’s like to become a willing worker, the FRESH team have spent a day at Stourhead to find out more. Head Gardener, Alan Power says the volunteers are a fantastic bunch.
 | | Maurice asks Alan for advice in garden |
“We have a lady who was a teacher who comes in one day a week and she pretty much runs the Pelargonium House. She’s building up her experience and her knowledge and she’s really enjoying it.” The garden team really rely on their regular volunteers to help with their projects and it’s the perfect environment to learn new skills. “We’re always around for people to ask us questions but quite often volunteers learn and become so familiar and fluent with what they’re doing, they can pretty much work as one of the gardeners.” Volunteering at Stourhead may be hard work at times and you won’t get paid but there’s still so much to gain. “It’s quite often a form of therapy and escapism and our volunteers are part of the team and our friends as well.” After 50 hours of volunteering at Stourhead, you get a discount card to use in the restaurant and shop and to visit all the National Trust properties round the country. There’s also a thriving social scene through the Stourhead Volunteers Club. House Manager, Gary Callard also depends on a team of volunteers to look after the rooms. Imagine working in the entrance hall with its polished marble floor, the library with its stunning painted glass window or the picture gallery with its shining chandelier.
 | | Jill uncovers the room steward chair |
“Room stewards are there for security to look after all these priceless items or to be there in case of emergency. But they’re also there as a welcome host who know all about the room. It’s perfect if you have an interest in art or history or antiques.” Gary’s also hoping to hear from more young people to volunteer at Stourhead. “I suppose it’s only natural that once people retire they have more time to spare but anyone over the age of 16 is more than welcome to come and have a go.” And if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the team at Stourhead for an application form. And let us know how you get on! | 
