Heritage NorthMeet Ann at HMOC, Strathpeffer
Ann Carmichael volunteers at
The Highland Museum of Childhood in Strathpeffer
A meeting at the Choral Society proved a happy co-incidence for both Ann Carmichael and Jennifer Maxwell, curator of the Highland Museum of Childhood at Strathpeffer.
Says Ann, “I knew Jennifer from many years before – we both had children at the same playgroup and had mutual friends - but had never thought of the museum before. I explained that I wanted to refresh my skills, but without going back to teaching, she suggested I give her a phone.”
Ann has a background in primary teaching. Born and brought up in the South of England, she came up her to take up post in Dundonnel, when that job was rationalised, she moved to Invergordon, where she met her husband, an oil worker at Nigg. When that site was closed, he realised that he had no option but to travel abroad with his work.
“We have had a house in Dingwall for 25 years, and have raised our children there, but I have lived for extended periods in both Brazil and Canada. When I came back to Scotland a year ago I was at a bit of a loss. I wanted to be active, but I needed to be free to visit my husband, as and when I wanted to. So that put getting a teaching contract out. I needed flexibility, but wanted something I could feel involved in.”
Volunteering at the museum seemed an ideal choice. Jennifer Maxwell explains, “When we get an offer of volunteering we have an interview and try hard to match up the volunteers expectations and ambitions with the needs of the museum. Not always an easy task. Fortunately with Ann, we had a great fit!”
In the last year Ann has been working in the reception and shop, has opened and closed the museum as required and has done the bookkeeping, invoicing and ordering. She has made facsimile clothes for the roleplay, transcribed the old bromide display labels into flexible PC files, and has revamped the guide to Strathpeffer for publication this winter.
“I usually work at least one day a week, though can do more if Jennifer needs me. Many of the volunteers have a layoff through the winter, but it suits me to keep going. I enjoy the company. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning and gives me confidence to keep trying new things.”
“When I first came here, I hadn’t worked in 4 years. I went behind the till and panicked – I can’t do this! – but of course I could. It is amazing how quickly the confidence goes, but amazing how quickly it comes back. It is very exciting to stretch yourself. Next I am doing the museum documentation.”
Would she recommend volunteering in a museum or heritage centre to anyone else? “It can be quiet, late in the year, perhaps, and you have to be prepared to sit and entertain yourself sometimes. Some folk don’t see that as being a valuable thing, but it all helps. If you are interested in local history or culture, it is great talking to folk about it, in a nice friendly atmosphere.”
Jennifer Maxwell elaborates. “You have to treat volunteers well. to support ours we have a induction process and a policy document, which details mutual expectations. The volunteers charter is displayed prominently in the museum for continual reference. We have a thank you lunch at the end of the season and a coffee morning at the start to get acquainted for the work ahead..”
So what next for Ann? “I have missed working with young children, so am awaiting my Disclosure Scotland check and then I hope to do more with the schools. I will be running up and down the platform with my gird and cleik!”
