Would you like to join the Mapperton team of volunteers?

A call has gone out for more volunteers to join the team showing off Mapperton House and Gardens to visitors.

Guided tours of the Jacobean manor house near Beaminster give small groups of visitors the opportunity to see inside the family home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich.

One volunteer is Annemarie Henham, former head of school at a Nottinghamshire comprehensive.

Annemarie, who moved to Chilfrome in Dorset after her retirement, is now helping to set up an education programme for young people in the local community.

“I had been to Mapperton to look round the gardens when we were househunting – and it was absolutely gorgeous,” she said.

“Then my husband mentioned that they were looking for volunteers and I came along to find out more. However – in addition to volunteering – I’ve also been helping Mapperton create its first education programme for schools.

“This is an exciting new venture and we are looking forward to inviting teachers to Mapperton in September so they can see at first hand what a wonderfully rich learning environment it is. Mapperton offers a wealth of opportunities for young learners to explore, engage, and be inspired. ”

Luke Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke, said that Mapperton’s team of volunteers is key to providing visitors with a memorable experience.

“We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team, and would very much like to hear from anyone with an interest in British history who enjoys  meeting and talking to new people.

“We’re very lucky to be working with Annemarie who has kindly volunteered as a tour guide.  With her background as a head of school, Annemarie is also helping us set up a new education programme which we plan to launch later this year.

“All our volunteers come from very diverse backgrounds and each brings something different to their roles here.”

Volunteers are entitled to travel expenses and light refreshments in the Sawmill Café for each visit.

Anyone interested should contact the Estate Office on 01308 862645 or email office@mapperton.com.