So much goes on behind the scenes with 170 acres of site containing woodland and historic buildings; there's a lot to look after to keep us running safely and smoothly and to keep this historic place here for the future. 

Projects

1:  Gunpowder Railway

The Gunpowder Railway has been built and is now run by a dedicated group of volunteers, we offer rides through a beautiful part of the site when we are open to the public.

There are various tasks and responsibilities within the Railway Team, requiring different skills and commitments, including driving the train. The team members need to work together to ensure the passengers enjoy their visit safely. We need volunteers to welcome and assist visitors, operate the trains and/or to assist with the ‘behind the scenes’ work of maintaining the rolling stock and track.
Take on a role or two:
•Duty Officer-Complete the training and pass an assessment to oversee all the operations during any specific day of running
•Driver-Complete the training and pass an assessment to then drive passengers.
•Guard-Complete the training and pass an assessment to then be a guard on passenger trains.
•Station Steward-Welcome visitors and assist them on and off the carriages.
•Maintenance-To take an active role in preparing and caring for rolling stock and line.

For more information and to apply contact the Volunteer Resources Manager [email protected] 01992 707340

Find out more about joining the railway vounteers https://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/railway-volunteers 

2: Mini Railway

Support the running of the mini railway by helping to maintain the tracks and running area, care for the rolling stock and assist with development. You could also help with the running of the trains by welcome and assist visitors as they approach the station, be the whistle blowing 'Station Master', assist passengers on and off the carriages, drive the trains and help setting up and shutting down each day.

Education

Volunteer Learning Assistants

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the delivery of our schools programme. If you have a passion for bringing learning to life, enjoy working with children and have an interest in history and science, please get in touch!

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the learning and outreach team to deliver workshop activities
• Helping to prepare workshop materials and spaces
• Supervising school groups during self-led activities

For more details please see the role description attached: volunteer_learning_assistant.docx

If you are interested, please email Liz Went at [email protected] or call 01992 707340

Behind the Scenes

1: Building and Site Maintenance

It is important to keep the visitor area tidy and safe, views need to be maintained for tours and walks, buildings require constant maintenance and exhibitions and activities created and kept in good order. This work involves a wide variety of tasks, and ranges from basic to skilled.

Grounds-work

By keeping the visitor area looking lovely and at its best, you will increase the visitor experience, encourage repeat visits and help show off the site. Projects include mowing grass, cutting back shrubs, clearing roads and pathways, litter picking, caring for our outside exhibits. You could be part of the team preparing for big events or smartening up an area. There is great satisfaction in these tasks as you can clearly see the difference your efforts make. 

Painting and Decorating

There are many buildings on site used as, for example: theatre, exhibitions, café, toilets, offices, stores, classrooms etc. RGM needs people with at least basic decorating skills and a careful hand to improve presentation and preserve these important buildings. You can be proud of the end result, especially as it will also be helping to preserve these historic buildings. 

2: Nature Conservation

Work alongside nature enthusiasts and find out about the wildlife at RGM. Learn how to preserve and develop natural habitats in this site of open grassland, waterways and woodland. There are always projects on the go such as clearing pathways to open up areas for visitors to explore, creating views, and developing areas for wildlife education. You will work in beautiful surroundings helping wildlife to thrive and making the nature of the site a special experience for visitors and schoolchildren.