Could you be tea room volunteer?
More volunteers are needed at the popular Old Stables Tea Room at Erewash Museum as it marks its two year anniversary.
The Victorian themed tea room is managed by the Friends of Erewash Museum and staffed entirely by volunteers, many who have been there since the beginning. The amounts of days that the tea room is open have been extended, meaning that extra hands are needed on deck.
Helen Martinez, manager of the museum, says at least five volunteers are needed and they can do as many or as few hours as they wish, whether it is one day a week or one day a month.
The Victorian-themed tearooms were opened alongside the learning, community and exhibition centre development at the museum, which was completed thanks to funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Friends of the Museum and Erewash Borough Council. Volunteers help serve tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. They will also be given food hygiene training.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“The Old Stable Tea Room has been a great success since it opened two years ago and the volunteers that give their time are a great asset to the community.
“With spring upon us and lots of exciting activities in store at the museum we just need that extra bit of help to ensure that the tea room continues to thrive.”
Lynne Thorpe, a volunteer at the tea room, says:
“We meet some lovely people here and our customers come from far and wide. It is enjoyable and we always try to make people feel welcome. Even if someone could help out on the odd occasion to sell ice creams outside in the summer it would benefit us.”
Barbara Priestley has volunteered at the tea room since it opened. She says:
“I am sure that anybody would find it rewarding. We have a lot more people coming here now than when it first opened. Where else in town can you get a sandwich for £1.20 and a coffee for £1.50?”
The tea room is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am until 3pm and Monday to Saturday 11am until 3pm in the school holidays.
Erewash Museum is in Ilkeston town centre, a short walk from the Market Place. Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Admission is free. Contact 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk or visit the Facebook page /erewashmuseum
Photo: Pictured from left: Lynne Thorpe, Sue Preston, Caroline Hailwoods and Lynne Mills.
