Meet Heritage Volunteer, Jim: ‘One of the most worthwhile parts of my role is taking primary school trips on a Stone Age Walk’

The UK’s largest Shared Reading charity is celebrating its amazing team of volunteers throughout June inspired by Volunteers’ Week 2025, Monday 2 June – Sunday 8 June.  

NAME: Jim 

WHERE DO YOU VOLUNTEER? The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool 

ROLE:  Heritage Volunteer 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE READER? After retiring, I wanted to engage with the local community and saw a flyer about The Reader at The Mansion House in Calderstones Park. I love talking with people about local historical information.  

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE? I have learnt so much about the history of the Mansion House and Neolithic Calder Stones in our gardens, which are the oldest monuments in Liverpool, through running house tours and school trips. One of the most worthwhile parts of my role is taking Year 2 and 3 primary school classes on a Stone Age Walk and telling them about the trees and life in 3000BC. It is enormously rewarding, and I gain immensely from each encounter. 

If you would like to find out more about The Reader and the volunteering opportunities, we offer please visit here. Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support from The Reader. 

As a charity we rely on the generous support of individuals and organisations to help us change lives through Shared Reading. A donation allows us to train volunteers, provide resources for groups and help reach more people. We want to make sure everyone can attend a Shared Reading group, no matter their background, income or situation, and we'll be so grateful for your help.

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