All the fun of the volunteers fair

There will be at least twenty local cultural organisations in attendance, so potential volunteers can find out about the wealth of opportunities available this summer.

As we look forward to another Summer of Culture across the borough, this will be a wonderful way to connect with local organisations and learn more about opportunities near you.

Opportunities will be tailored to recognise that people volunteer for a variety of reasons, whether you’re a student seeking to develop skills, someone looking for one-off opportunities, a full-time parent/carer hoping to connect with your community or a retiree wanting to stay active.

There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.

Councillor Shivraj Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Culture, said: “This is the second consecutive Volunteers Fair at Boston Manor House, and comes at a time when we’re all beginning to get excited about the agenda for this year’s Summer of Culture. It’s a magnificent setting and a venue we now manage as a Council. We thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its restoration, and for supporting this event and The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for making this fair possible in the first place.

“It’s indicative of the breadth and depth of our Voluntary Sector in Hounslow, that we can hold an event purely for people who want to benefit from volunteering opportunities with our cultural partners.”

 

Boston Manor House is a Jacobean House in Brentford, built for Lady Mary Reade in 1623 and later owned by the Clitherow family from the 1670s until the 1920s. The House is managed by Hounslow Council and is now open to the public with free entry six days a week. A five-year restoration programme has seen it completely refurbished with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a range of other funders. Its beautifully restored historic interiors, including breath-taking original ornate plasterwork, are joined by two community exhibition galleries, meeting rooms and a modern café.

Summer of Culture

This annual event will feature dozens of amazing arts and cultural activities held between June and September 2024, many of which are free of charge and family friendly.

Building on the success of Hounslow’s Summer of Culture 2023, communities and organisations including art centres, historic houses, libraries, and museums have come together to create a 2024 programme ready to bring residents and visitors to Hounslow through a dazzling array of events, activities, and performances.

The preliminary list of events includes the following with a full list announced soon:

• June: Films on the Green (1st, 2nd, 8th) – Festival of Storytelling (2nd) - Brentford Canal Festival (22nd), Tours and Trails (TBC)
• July: Festival of Storytelling (7th), Tours and Trails (TBC)
• August: Festival of Storytelling (4th) – Rhythm & Sound (17th) – Creative Mile (30th -1st September)
• September: Festival of Storytelling (1st)