What is Heritage Volunteering?
NADFAS Heritage Volunteers are:

Some examples of what Heritage Volunteers do:

• in-situ conservation of books, manuscripts, archives and maps
• cataloguing documents and archival listing
• documentation of objects including listing and transcribing
• conservation of Metalwork. Cleaning and cataloguing arms and armour, medals and military silver
• preventative conservation of textiles. Replica work, creation of period costumes and methods of storage
• guiding - for all types of groups
• stewarding - in museums, historic houses or gardens
• gardens - research and recording

Polesden Lacey Costume Project - Information Day, Tuesday 7 October We are delighted that the opportunity has arisen to work on a NADFAS Heritage Volunteers project at Polesden Lacey. The proposal is for the making of period Edwardian costumes for staff and volunteers from photos of Polesden estate staff with the opportunity to reproduce one of Mrs Greville's gowns from archives for use at a special event or as part of an interpretation or engagement display. The House team are very enthusiastic and happy to offer their full support. Appropriate training will be given in due course, but we have initially arranged a Meeting at Polesden Lacey on Tuesday, 7 October 2008 to explore the possibilities and gauge the amount of likely interest. If you enjoy needlework, textiles etc you are invited to come along to see what the project involves - there is obviously no commitment at this stage. As space is limited, you are asked to return the form so that you may be sent further details of the format of the day when available; participation in the project will be open to all the NADFAS members in East Surrey Area. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-polesdenlacey/w-polesdenlacey-history.htm

Titsey Place
Titsey is one of the largest surviving historic estates in Surrey. It dates back to the mid-sixteenth century, though the first impression now is of a comfortable early-nineteenth century house in a picturesque park. The NADFAS Heritage Volunteers' work at Titsey Place consists of recording and indexing the 4,500 volumes in the house; the aim is to undertake general research and preserve the volumes for future generations. The Volunteers have received special training and their expertise includes cleaning with a special vacuum, noting the condition and doing any repairs, ie reattaching torn spines and loose sections, firming up corners, paper-tears etc using their homemade organic flour based paste and acid free papers. Hank Arnott, the leader of the group, says that "the work gives us enormous satisfaction as well as the opportunity to enjoy each other's company in delightful surroundings".

Pictured in the photograph are Barbara Pugh, Joan Holman, Rosemary Buchan, Hank Arnott (Titsey Representative) and Jane Berthoud (East Surrey Area Heritage Volunteers' Representative).

http://www.titsey.org/

Down House
It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote 'On the Origin of Species' by Means of Natural Selection – the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world when published in 1859. The house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. The rooms on the ground floor have been furnished to reflect the domestic life of the family, while the study holds his writing desk, chair and numerous objects connected with his work. The first floor offers an interactive exhibition on his life, research and discoveries. NADFAS Heritage Volunteers are currently involved with stewarding at Down House.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Holy Trinity Church, Westcott
Dorking Heritage Volunteers have recently completed the conservation of the Christmas/Easter altar cloth and rescued the Mother's Union Banner at Holy Trinity Church. With the help of Zenzie Tinker, and after tuition from her in securing precious fabrics in place, a team of six worked hard to prepare the altar cloth for Christmas services between October and December 2007. A team of four worked on the Mother's Union banner during the following months and the stunning result more than justified the decision to rescue the banner, despite a previous assessment that it was beyond all hope.

Shere Museum
The picturesque village of Shere in Surrey is of considerable historic interest. The museum pays testimony to the history of the village with its collection of photographs and information, maps, genealogical records, and wills. A group of NADFAS Heritage Volunteers from West and East Surrey Areas are currently working on cataloguing and collating archives prior to the Museum's move to a new site.

http://www.surreymuseums.org.uk/museums/Shere.htm