Weston Park Foundation has marked National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) by hosting a celebratory lunch for the dedicated band of volunteers who help bring the historic estate to life.
The lunch was a chance to recognise the contribution of more than 100 volunteers who give their time across the house, gardens, gallery and grounds and whose efforts have been integral to transforming Weston Park into the award-winning attraction it is today.
The celebration comes as the foundation marks its 40th anniversary year, having been established in 1986 when Weston Park was gifted to the nation by the 7th Earl of Bradford.
Colin Sweeney, chief executive of the Weston Park Foundation, said: “Our volunteers are the heart of Weston Park and, as we celebrate 40 incredible years of the foundation, it’s only right that we take a moment to recognise the tireless dedication they bring to everything they do.
“Over four decades, they have played a vital role in transforming Weston Park into the attraction it is today sharing their passion, knowledge and time so that every visitor leaves with a lasting memory. We are truly grateful to each and every one of them.”
Volunteers at Weston Park take on a wide variety of roles, from guiding visitors around the Grade I listed house and its collections, to supporting outdoor education programmes, conservation work and archival research. Many have given years of service to the estate.
Pat Cook, who is in her 19th year as a volunteer, said: “There’s a role for everybody here and you can never have too many volunteers. I would certainly say that you get out of volunteering what you put into it.”
At 34 years, Weston’s longest-serving volunteer Pat Lowe, who takes pride in the upkeep of the house and its furnishings, added: “People come to the house and they have a lot of knowledge about something specific, so we are learning all the time which is lovely.”
The foundation’s volunteer network continues to grow, with newer recruits such as David Standley, who joined two years ago and has since designed a child-friendly tour of the house led by Olly the Parrot, helping to make the estate’s collections accessible to younger visitors.
Vikki Duncan, who joined Weston as head of collections and engagement last December, added: “It has been a delight to work with such enthusiastic and committed volunteers. Since my arrival at Weston we have been working on a variety of projects together and their passion for bringing the collection to life is so refreshing. David’s family tours have been very well received and our Stories from the Shelves, where the team have uncovered rare books in the library, has been equally successful.”
Weston Park is open to visitors throughout 2026 as part of a year-long programme of events celebrating the foundation’s 40th anniversary. For more information visit weston-park.com
