I volunteer at Waddesdon, mainly in the Conservation Hub — and I absolutely love it. I also help as a Ground Host, which means greeting visitors by the fountain where the buses arrive, or sometimes at the Pavilion out front. I enjoy both, but the Conservation Hub is my favourite because I’m naturally active and like to be doing something hands-on. It fits my lifestyle too. With children at home, I need roles that fit within school hours, and volunteering here gives me a purpose beyond housework and school runs — something just for me.
This is actually my first ever volunteering role. I’ve lived in Bicester for over twenty years — my eldest is twenty-two — and Waddesdon has always been part of our family life. We’ve come for walks here for years; I’ve brought the kids, and when they’re at school, I sometimes come on my own to clear my head. There’s something about the peace of the place — the gardens, the trees, the fresh air — that makes everything feel lighter.
Earlier this year, my husband and I were having a coffee by the cart when I got chatting, as I always do, to one of the team. He mentioned volunteering and encouraged me to apply. I’d thought about it before, so I went on the website, found an open day, and came along. They showed us around, talked through what’s involved, and before I knew it, I was signing up. It was partly to get out of the house, partly to be active, and partly because I just wanted to give something back to a place that had already given me so much peace over the years.
What keeps me coming back is simple — the people. The staff are amazing: friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help. Whether they’re full-time employees or fellow volunteers, there’s a real family feel about the place. It’s like being part of a community, one that makes you feel valued. For me, as someone who’s been home-based for years, that sense of belonging is everything. It gives me purpose and structure, and it’s opened up a whole new world of learning.
At the Conservation Hub, I’ve picked up all sorts of knowledge. There’s a table full of animal skulls, insects, and plants — things I never thought I’d be able to identify, but now I can talk about them confidently with visitors. It’s a bit like going to university without the essays. I’ve learned about biodiversity, about different species, and how to explain things clearly. That’s been a big one — it’s one thing to know where something is, but another to describe it so someone else can find it. It’s helped me grow in confidence, especially after years focused mainly on home life.
And yes, the cockroaches are there — and the beetles! I never thought I’d say this, but they’ve grown on me. Visitors are often curious or even a little nervous at first, and I love seeing them relax once I start explaining what they’re looking at.
There’s also the practical side — things like setting up ramps for wheelchairs, helping visitors navigate slopes near the Aviary, or giving directions to the bus stop for those who can’t manage the hills. Just recently, a couple decided not to go down to the Aviary because it looked too steep. I remembered the shuttle bus and went back to tell them — they were so grateful. Moments like that stick with you. It’s small, but it makes a difference. That’s what I enjoy most — feeling useful.
I’ve had to learn to think on my feet. Sometimes a visitor asks a question and I don’t know the answer. At first, that used to throw me, but now I take it as a challenge. I tell them I’ll find out — and I do. The other day, someone asked where the bricks for one of the old bridges near the Aviary came from. I didn’t know at the time, but later I found the answer on one of the information boards — the stone came from Bath. It’s small, but it feels good to keep learning.
The biggest challenge has probably been confidence. After years as a housewife, you forget how capable you are outside that environment. Remembering information, answering questions, even just speaking up — those things take practice. But I’ve found my rhythm now, and each shift makes me a little more confident.
The flexibility helps a lot too. The team know I have children, so if I need to leave early for the school run, that’s fine. I can come in a bit earlier or finish before pick-up, and no one makes a fuss. It’s one of the reasons volunteering works so well for me — I can contribute meaningfully without the stress of a full-time job.
Since I started in March, I’ve already done over fifty hours, which I’m really proud of. I feel more energetic now — the kind of tiredness I get from volunteering is the good kind. I come home ready for family life but uplifted, not drained. It helps me mentally too. When things at home get stressful — and with four kids, they often do — coming here resets me. Driving through the gates and seeing the grounds immediately calms me. I always say Waddesdon has a magic about it.
I’ve visited other National Trust places, but Waddesdon has something unique — that “wow” factor. The house looks lived-in, not like a museum, and the gardens are so beautifully kept. You can tell how much care goes into maintaining them. I used to tell friends to visit long before I became a volunteer, but now I can speak from the inside.
Volunteering has changed me more than I expected. It’s given me confidence, energy, and purpose. It’s also reminded me that I still have plenty to learn and give. I enjoy being part of something bigger than myself — something that matters.
I plan to keep volunteering here as long as I can. I’m not ready for a full-time job right now, but this fits perfectly with my life. It keeps me connected, active, and positive.
If someone told me they were thinking about volunteering — anywhere, not just Waddesdon — I’d tell them to do it. Don’t hesitate. It’s good for your wellbeing, for your confidence, and for your sense of purpose. These places couldn’t run without volunteers, but just as importantly, volunteers gain just as much as they give. It lifts your spirits, gives you a reason to get up and go, and lets you be part of something special.
For me, it’s not just volunteering. It’s finding my place — and I can’t imagine not being part of it now.
