Volunteers
Our team of volunteers are the life blood of the Centre, they give their time to welcome visitors and bring a wide variety of experiences to their role. Our Volunteers assist in the Craft Shop/ Gallery helping you to find that perfect handmade gift, and enriching your Heritage experience, and, as Maldon Ambassadors on the Visitor Information Desk they help you to plan a trip or signpost you to essential services as well as the best places for a spot of lunch.
If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated Volunteers at the Maeldune Heritage Centre email: Joye Colbeck, Centre Manager using the contact page or visit the Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service website: https://maldoncvs.org.uk/
What the volunteers say about their role:
“Volunteering at the Maeldune Heritage Centre is different every time. Visitors come from all over the country and even the world and invariably have a connection of sorts to Maldon, the Embroidery Panel or the exhibiting Artists. It is always a pleasure to hear their stories. Volunteering with the Visitor Information Desk Ambassadors helps us share our knowledge of places to visit, eat or just handover a bus timetable. Showing visitors Maldon Society’s photographic archive and oral history collection offers a trip back in time. There are many regular visitors who we have come to know. The regular visitors come to the Centre to buy greeting cards, Maldon Salt or Tiptree Jam or to treat themselves to something from one of their favourite craftsperson.
The standard, colour and design of the Embroidery Panel amazes visitors and we are always learning something new about the work and meeting people whose relatives may have worked on a piece. The Exhibition space is a great area for local artists to display their work and we get the chance to promote local talent. The Maeldune provides an interesting and entertaining volunteering opportunity – on the high street and a unique venue.”
Jane
“I joined the Maeldune Heritage Centre as a volunteer in March 2023 and I find it very rewarding. I am learning a lot about the history of Maldon. Volunteers and management are all very nice and helpful.”
Marshall
“I started volunteering as a Maldon Ambassador in 2019 after the decision was taken to close Maldon’s Tourist Information Centre and open a Visitor Information Desk in the foyer of Maldon Town Hall which was then relocated in the Maeldune Heritage Centre. My usual slot is on Thursday afternoons and whilst some sessions are busier than others I carry out a wide variety of tasks. These include giving out information leaflets, offering advice on local attractions, handing out bus timetables, liaising with the friendly staff at the Town Hall and the Craft shop volunteers at the Maeldune Heritage Centre, keeping the displays up to date and presentable and – distributing green and pink recycling bags! I enjoy volunteering as a Maldon Ambassador at the Centre and meeting many different people, local residents and visitors and it is good to know that you are playing your part in helping to support and promote our town. Visitors are very grateful for information we are able to offer and leave with a thank you and a smile!”
John
“I started volunteering at the Maeldune Heritage Centre in 2017 and as I had previously worked in London I knew very few people in Maldon.
The positives for me are that I have made many friends who have supported me at difficult times. I enjoy meeting visitors and talking to them about local history and plans whilst in Essex.”
Louise
“I really enjoy telling visitors to the Town a little about Maldon’s long history. This is nearly always as a result of questions about the Maldon Embroidery on show in the Centre. In addition it is lovely to draw attention to the beautiful items on sale made by local craftspeople, which are great advertisements for the creativity and atmosphere of Maldon Town and the surrounding area.”
Philippa
Friends of the Maeldune Trust
The Trust really feels the benefit of a support group when planning for the future. As a Friend, the Trustees and the Centre Manager value your suggestions to improve the visitor experience. We look forward to meeting you throughout the year.
Together we can promote and support the Maeldune Heritage Centre into the future.
By signing up to join our Friends group you will receive:
- Quarterly Newsletters giving details of our exhibitions and events, MHC news on new artists, new Volunteers, and the other activities taking place throughout the year.
- The opportunity to attend previews of our art exhibitions and our Christmas shop.
- Invitations to Friends only events when arranged.
