The work of the Challis Trust is carried out entirely by volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without them. There is always room for more help, especially in the Garden, but also in the Museum, catering, helping at events and stewarding our exhibitions. If you are interested in joining our friendly team, have a look at the many opportunities available to decide whether you can play a part. No expertise is required, just your enthusiasm!
The Garden requires a lot of effort to maintain it to a good standard throughout the year. There are three morning sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays every week from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm when the Garden is open to the public. You can choose days and times to suit your availability. Key areas are:
Maintaining flower beds
Mowing the lawns
Seasonal pruning work
Raising plants
Maintaining Garden buildings and garden furniture (experience with workshop tools would be an advantage)
We hold several events in the Garden each year where extra help is needed for setting up tents & gazeboes, helping out on stalls and with activities, and packing up afterwards. Our catering team, M C Teas, would also welcome more help for serving teas and cakes from the House during Garden events.
The Garden is open on Sunday afternoons throughout the year, requiring two stewards on duty to open and close up, welcome visitors and to manage the plant and gift stands. 2-4 pm in summer and 1-3 pm in winter months.
Volunteers are also required to steward exhibitions in the House (10 am to 12 noon on Tuesdays) and in The Reeve Building (10 am to 12 noon Tuesdays and Saturdays). There are opportunities too to assist with the Challis Archives in the House for any budding historians or locals with good knowledge of Sawston.
If you wish to enquire about any of these volunteering opportunities, please contact admin@challistrust.org.uk or drop by the Garden for a chat.
