Testimonials
Comments by some of our Volunteers about their experiences at the Royal Gunpowder Mills
Grahame Browne
January 2006
Hi-Ho, a Volunteering I will go!
It seems like only yesterday when I came to the WARGM to find out about the volunteering opportunities on offer. After an initial chat and tour of the site with Liz Went we decided that I would come in a couple of days a week. Helping on the railway, during the week and undertaking general stewarding on Saturdays until the end of the season. The thought behind this being that I wanted to help with the railway but stewarding would allow me to meet the visitors, assist them around the site and learn a lot about the site.
I started late August and it's now the nearing the end of the year. What have I done in this short time?
Met: A great bunch of people, permanent site folk, Volunteers and Friends of the WARGM.
As a railway volunteer: Erecting the railway shed, drinking tea, digging and laying foundations for the sidings, drinking tea, laying track, drinking tea, contributing to the plans for the railway.
As a Steward: Meeting and helping visitors around site, learning about the history, talking to others about their experiences.
Plus: Helping out with the schoolchildren during the three weeks of Victorian Christmas by playing the roll of Colonel Brackenbury.
Have I enjoyed myself? Certainly. Has it been worthwhile? Definitely.
I would recommend to you all to get in touch with Liz Went and find out about the many Volunteering opportunities at the Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills. I am sure there are one or two -or more that would suit you, so don't delay phone today.
We need YOU!, come and join us.
Phillip Smart
July 2005
The conservation of the natural environment and our historical heritage is important to me. The Royal Gunpowder Mills is dedicated to both rolled into one, so becoming a volunteer seemed a good way to indulge my interests in a practical and useful way. I soon found that all the volunteers here share a passion for the place and have real sense of selfless dedication, which is tangible, rewarding and very compelling. My own favourite area to help out is the nature reserve. Even the smallest task here comes with the expectation of seeing wild deer or perhaps a kingfisher. I once caught a glimpse of an otter, which was an unexpected and much coveted bonus!
Minnie Fenton
July 2005
How many commoners like myself can say that they have been introduced to King Charles? During the time of the English Civil war, I was a noble lady and dressed of course in very appropriate attire. I have also shaken hands with Oliver Cromwell (warts as well). Then there was the Napoleonic War; the soldiers uniforms really were dazzling. But that's not all - I was one of a crowd who witnessed the arrest of Guy Fawkes in the cellars of Parliament. Are you wondering who I am? Call me Minnie.
I am a Retired person who volunteered as a Steward at the Royal Gunpowder Mills in 2001, which was oficially opened by the Duke of Gloucester on May 18th, 2001.
The Living History events, which I have described to you, are costumed re-enactments with demonstration activities, and some live firing as well. If you want to be involved as a Volunteer, you will find a variety of tasks, which are both exciting and challenging to do.
There are peaceful parklands and wildlife to admire and enjoy as well.
I work every Sunday as a Steward and I speak to visitors on a regular basis and interact with them in order to enhance their visit. They in fact become an integral part of our network and many return again and again!
This year, 2005, has been designated "National Year of the Volunteer" by the Home-Office. So that's all the more relevant why you should feel some encouragement to join the team. We are good company and I have learnt so much from other Volunteers during these few years of working together.
I could in fact go on all day telling you about fulfillment and purpose of tasks in hand, which are so varied.
As a retired person, getting involved has changed my general outlook on the importance of historical events and of my loyalty to those who "get down to it!"
I now have an outlook which is more positive, and the potential Volunteers of years ago have become now well established. We share a great empathy between us which is priceless.
Liz Went, our Volunteer Development Officer, is a very encouraging influence and always will update you with any ongoing programmes where volunteers can help each other.
Every little helps, however very insignificant it may seem - and I am talking from personal experiences of sharing in the challenges of being a part of the agenda at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. An addition to this is my weekly visit to our cafe, where I enjoy my favorite lunch of baked potato and coleslaw, at midday.
