Strutt’s North Mill – Belper volunteers

The Strutt’s North Mill Museum and Derwent Valley Visitor Centre are together situated at the historic North Mill on the River Derwent at Belper. The building housing the museum and the visitor centre is one of the oldest surviving examples of industrialised water powered cotton spinning mills in the world and is therefore part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Although it is a relatively small museum, Strutt’s North Mill welcomes many visitors throughout the year including group bookings of adults and schools. The museum also offers a wide variety of special events and activities which are largely organised and led by volunteers.

Strutt’s North Mill is entering an exciting time and we are looking for more volunteers to get involved in all sorts of ways!

At Strutt’s North Mill we have a number of roles and activities for those wishing to get involved. We offer volunteering opportunities which require regular time commitments, but we are also developing more one off events and projects, which will allow for more flexible time commitments.

The diverse range of volunteering opportunities we offer, means that we’re likely to have something that suits you. Are you looking for some work experience and an opportunity to develop your skills, or would like to meet new people and gain confidence? Do you have a passion for history or heritage, or are keen to learn more about the Belper area? Whether you’re young or old, employed or unemployed, retired or a student, we have opportunities for you. we need volunteers to help us make Belper and the Derwent Valley a great place to live and to visit.

Volunteer opportunities currently include (but are not restricted to):

• Receptionists – volunteers to greet visitors, assist with general enquiries, serve refreshments and supervise the small gift shop.
• Guides – volunteers with an interest in local history and a passion to share the story of the Mill through guided tours.
• Education Facilitators – volunteers to assist with education activities for school groups visiting the Mill.
• Craft Team – Volunteers keen to develop the Mill’s craft activities, create new merchandise for sale in the shop, and develop exhibition displays.
• Maintenance – Volunteers to help maintain and improve the museum and machinery.

Other volunteer opportunities being developed include:

• Website and social media – further developing our online presence.
• Finance and bid writing – supporting our Fundraiser to spot and apply for funding opportunities.
• Community events – helping to organise events in the community.
• Historical research – researching further the history of the Mill and its workers.
• Digital and interactive displays – developing new displays using modern technology.

There will also be volunteering opportunities on specific projects as they are developed; these opportunities and roles will be advertised to all current and potential volunteers.

Contact: The Manager of Strutt’s North Mill

Tel: 01773 880474
Email: manager@belpernorthmill.org.uk