Following a hugely successful opening month that saw hundreds of visitors walk through our doors, Heritage at the Pavilion in Chilton is officially up and running.
The incredible energy and community support we have received so far have proven just how much our local history matters to everyone.
Now, to keep this wonderful momentum going, we are looking for passionate volunteers to help us shape and support the project moving forward.
Whether you are a self-proclaimed heritage or history buff, a people person, or someone simply looking to give back, we have a role that will fit your lifestyle and interests.
We are currently seeking friendly faces and hands-on help across five key areas:
The Heritage Centre: Welcome visitors, share local history, and act as the friendly face of our main exhibition space.
The Digital Archive: Help us digitise, preserve, and categorise historical photographs, documents, and records so future generations can access them.
The Heritage Trail: Support the maintenance, guiding, or storytelling aspects of our outdoor walking trails.
The Cafe: Keep our visitors fuelled with hot drinks and treats, providing a warm, welcoming space for people to chat after their tour.
The Grounds: Maintain our Pavilion Parks that our visitors can continue to enjoy the wonderful surrounding plus help develop the new sensory garden
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with us is about far more than just donating your time; it is a brilliant way to invest in yourself and connect with others. For young people, students, or those looking for a career change, it is also an incredible opportunity for upskilling and CV building.
You can gain practical experience in museum curation, customer service, digital archiving, and hospitality.
If you are recently retired, find yourself with a few spare hours a week, or are simply looking for a meaningful new outlet, this is the perfect place to channel your energy and share your life experience. It provides a wonderful routine, a great sense of purpose, and a fulfilling way to stay active right here in South West Durham.
Beyond the practical perks, it is a fantastic way to socialise, make new friends, and beat isolation. Most importantly, it is a rewarding chance to give back to the local community, preserving the unique stories and landscapes that make our area so special.
Don’t just take our word for it. Local volunteer Sarah shared her experience of getting involved with the project:
“Volunteering here has been such a rewarding outlet for me. I’ve met so many wonderful new people and uncovered fascinating stories about Chilton’s rich history that I never knew before. It has also been a fantastic way to learn completely new skills—I’ve even gained a formal qualification in food hygiene while helping out in the pop-up cafe!”
Come along to our Open Day!
If you are curious but not quite ready to commit, or if you want to see where you might fit in, please come along to our Volunteer Open Day on Sunday, 25 October from 10am to 4pm at Heritage at the Pavilion, Chilton Way, Chilton (DL17 0HJ)
There is absolutely no obligation to sign up on the day. Just pop in for an informal chat, see the spaces, meet some of the current team, and find out how you can get involved. No prior experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and a desire to help our community thrive.
Can’t make it on the day? You can still get involved by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Julie Hogg on 07929050189 or via email at julie.hogg[@]chiltondurham-tc[.]gov[.]uk.