Museum appeal for volunteers

A popular tourist attraction in Lichfield has launched a recruitment drive for volunteers as it enters the busy summer season.

Erasmus Darwin House, on Beacon Street, is now open six days a week and is on the lookout for a team of new volunteers to assist visitors over the coming months.

The house was once the home of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, and a respected resident of the city for more than 20 years.

Erasmus set up and ran a successful medical practice in the city, and was also considered the foremost poet of his day, along with being an inventor, botanist and philosopher. He was also a founder member of the Lunar Society, which had great influence on the development of science and industry in the late 18th century.

The house was restored and opened as a museum in 1999, and is run by the Erasmus Darwin Foundation, an independent charitable trust.

Alison Wallis, manager/curator, said having recently gained status as a Registered Museum, and with this official stamp of quality, the house is now moving into a new phase of activity. Plans to improve displays, increase resources available and develop activities are just some of the ambitious plans for the future, but to do this more volunteers are needed, she said.

There are currently between 20 and 25 volunteers who help out at the house. "The existing team are a friendly bunch, and new members will be made very welcome," said Alison. "The duties are many and varied, with each member taking on a different role according to their own strengths and interests – for example some help out with children's activities, others give guided tours, and some act as receptionists.

"We have just gone up to our summer opening hours, and are now open six days a week, so we are expecting an influx of visitors during the summer.

"We have 12 slots to fill, and like to have two people on the desk at the same time.

"Anybody that has time to commit a couple of hours a week is urged to come forward."

For more information on volunteering, or to arrange an informal meeting, contact Alison on 01543 306260.