Work behind the scenes at the museum

Volunteers sought to assist famous museum

The hunt is on for a new ‘museum idol’, as The Kew Bridge Steam Museum launches its search for volunteers. 2005 will see a particularly busy time for the museum as it embarks on a challenging period of renovation and development work, celebrating its 30th anniversary, and extending its education facilities. Coinciding with the launch of ‘Year of the Volunteer 2005’, the museum is looking for another 16 volunteers to bring the team to 100.

"We look back with pride at the last 30 years and now want to look forward to the next 30 years." said Lesley Bossine, Director of the Museum. “We have a large volunteer force, which is involved in all areas of the museum's work and without whom we would not be able to achieve so much. We want to encourage local people to volunteer with us and in return we offer a stimulating and fun environment to work in. This year will be a particularly busy and exciting time to join."

Kew Bridge Steam Museum is looking for volunteers interested in art, culture, and heritage to help our full-time staff run and maintain the Museum. They want volunteers with all sorts of skills, but some interest in steam engines and the history of the museum can be an advantage, though not necessary. Volunteers need to be 16 years or over, but there is no upper age limit!

Volunteers are needed to help carry out a variety of tasks including:

• Meet and greet the public
• Directing the public to accessible areas of the museum
• Confident volunteers to give talks on the museum to clubs and societies
• Helping to maintain and restore the magnificent engines
• Building maintenance skills including plastering and plumbing

Volunteer work is unpaid, however the volunteers have a real opportunity to become familiar with the Museum’s collection, aims and objectives, to work as part of a team and to develop their own skills.

Kew Bridge Steam Museum is committed to ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers and visitors in accordance with the Museum’s Health & Safety Policy. Volunteers receive induction training and appropriate instructions in health and safety matters. During working hours there is always a trained first-aider on site.

For an informal chat and/or an application form, please contact Kew Bridge Steam

How to find the steam museum:
In Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, Middlesex about 100 yards from the north side of Kew Bridge under the tall Victorian tower. Nearest motorway M4 (turn off at junction 2 signposted to Kew Gardens and north/south circular roads), down to Chiswick
roundabout, then pick up signs for Kew, Brentford and Hounslow. Turn right to Brentford
at traffic lights before Kew Bridge. Click here for a map.

Admission: Weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays (engines in steam).Adults.£6 Concessions:
£5 Children (5-15 years). £4.00 Family Ticket: £18.
Children under the age of 13 years must be accompanied by an adult

How to reach the Museum by public transport: Buses: 65, 237, 267, 391. Main Line Trains: Kew
Bridge (South West Trains from Waterloo via Clapham Junction). Gunnersbury (North London
Line) then 237 or 267 bus. London Underground: Gunnersbury (District Line) then 237 or 267
bus). South Ealing (Piccadilly Line) the 65 bus.

Further Information: Telephone the museum: 020 8568 4757 Fax: 020 8569 9978 or visit
www.kbsm.org

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