Volunteers
Our volunteers carry out essential work around the site including maintenance of the grounds and repairs. You can see some of the work they undertake below.
Working Weekends
Working weekends start on a Friday evening from 1700 onwards in the "snug" at the Mill. Directions can be found on this site.
There is London transport (mini bus) available which leaves the William Ellis School grounds at 1830 prompt (cars can be left safely in the school grounds over the weekend).
Volunteers preferring not to rendezvous at WES for a 6.30 prompt departure may elect to be picked up (and dropped back) from the following train or tube stations at the corresponding times
- Gospel Oak. Please arrive by 6.30 pm, and expect the minibus to pass around 6.35 pm.
- Chalk Farm (wait with Ruth at the end of Prince of Wales Road). Please arrive by 6.40 pm and expect the minibus to pass around 6.45pm.
- Baker Street. Please arrive by 6.50 pm and expect the minibus to pass around 7 pm
- Shepherd's Bush. Please arrive by 7.15 pm and expect the minibus to pass around 7.30 pm.
- Hammersmith. Please arrive by 7.25 pm and expect the minibus to pass around 7.40 pm.
- Barnes. Please arrive by 7.45pm and expect the minibus to pass around 8pm.
Please inform the wardens of the Mill that you wish to attend the weekend AND travel from London by the school mini bus, indicating pick up point. It is also necessary to exchange contact mobile phone numbers with the driver – David Mayes – for updates on the evening of travel etc.
On arrival at the Mill, volunteers are allocated their (bunk bedded) room for the weekend and await the London passengers whilst chatting, nibbling and sipping the odd glass of wine/beer etc.
At 2100'ish, a delicious 2 course supper is served, with wines, beers and coffee/tea to finish.
Saturday morning begins soon after 0800 with a cooked English breakfast after which the list of jobs for the weekend is allocated.
Mid morning and mid afternoon on Saturday and Sunday there is a refreshmentbreak with plenty on offer to replace the calories already spent.
Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes are equally enjoyable fuel stops.
Probably Saturday evening's supper is the most eagerly awaited meal as it is a chance to unwind and hopefully chase away the twinges from the day's labour, with more medicinal compound, before climbing up the wooden hill for a restful night.
Sunday morning is a slightly later start - 0830 - when a delicious continental breakfast awaits.
It is always hoped that the weather will be kind to us on these weekends as a lot of the chores are outside. There are always inside jobs on the list. Indeed no job or contribution is too small.
We look forward to seeing both familiar and unfamiliar faces again soon!
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to find out more please contact us
Working Weekends:
22nd - 24th March 2013
21st - 23rd June 2013
4th - 6th October 2013