Category Archives: Volunteers’ Voice

Press Release: University recognised for giving volunteers a great experience

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volunteer Gerry Westall

The University of Reading Museums and Special Collections Service (UMASCS) has been recognised for the outstanding opportunities and support it offers its volunteers.

UMASCS has been awarded the Investing in Volunteers Standard from Volunteering England, marking it as an organisation committed to good practice and of volunteering excellence. The news coincides with the start of Volunteers’ Week, an annual campaign which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK.

To achieve the Standard UMASCS’ volunteer programme was closely scrutinised. Volunteer England found that UMASCS ensured volunteers were well-treated, supported and encouraged to develop further skills and that they enjoyed the time they generously give to the University.

Gerry Westall, from Woodley, is UMASCS’ longest standing volunteer. He has given up his time for over twenty years and he continues to come in every week.

Read more on the University of Reading website.

Photo opportunity: MERL offers a ‘green welcome’!

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Photo opportunity on April 19th, 12pm – the press are invited to photograph BTCV and MERL volunteers putting the final touches to MERL’s front garden – building hedgehog homes, bird baths and mini-beast hotels

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), which is owned and managed by the University of Reading, has been working towards creating a wildlife friendly space that reflects a wildflower meadow at the front of the museum. The project, funded by the Big Lottery Bid, is entitled “A Green Welcome” and it has involved working with the University’s Grounds Team, the BTCV and volunteers from the local community.

Working with the BTCV and the University’s Grounds Team, MERL has transformed its front garden.

On the 19th April, MERL and BTCV volunteers will be coming together for the last time to create mini beast homes and put the finishing touches to the garden. The garden will then be maintained by a team of MERL volunteers who will ensure that it continues as a wildlife friendly space and continues to resemble a natural wildflower meadow.

Rob Davies, MERL Volunteer Coordinator says “Originally the garden was a jungle of undergrowth, ivy and nettles, blocking out sunlight and not allowing space for nature to breathe. The area has been cleared, the ivy has been worked back and an array of wildflowers and herbs have been planted. With the first flourishes of spring we have seen the colorful mix of flowers often attributed to country meadows burst into life in our very own front garden.”

“We hope that the transformation of the front garden not only encourages further biodiversity but welcomes visitors to the Museum of English Rural Life, with a colourful and an eco-friendly smile.”