Volunteers sought to help run Avebury (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Volunteers sought to help run Avebury

3:02pm Thursday 23rd March 2006

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VOLUNTEERS are being asked to help with a variety of tasks to welcome visitors to the Avebury stones.

The National Trust has launched an appeal for volunteers as part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the monument being declared a World Heritage Site.

On Tuesday the trust will be running an open day for potential volunteers for a wide variety of roles, from volunteer archaeologists to tour guides and raffle ticket sellers.

The trust owns and cares for 1,600 acres of archaeologically significant and environmentally sensitive land in and around Avebury.

Its estate includes most of the major monuments in the Avebury landscape, the Alexander Keiller Museum and a number of other important historic buildings.

The trust is dependant on volunteers to help it manage some of the country's most wonderful places including Avebury.

Nick Snashall, trust archaeologist at Avebury, said: "By supporting our work at Avebury, volunteers will play a vital role in helping to ensure that this unique place will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

"As Avebury is such a large and complex place, there are a wide range of volunteer positions available."

Mr Snashall said the trust is looking for people to help make visitors welcome in the museum and at the manor. It is also seeking volunteer archaeologists, countryside wardens, gardeners, tour guides for the stone circles, raffle ticket sellers and volunteer assistants to help in the shop and restaurant.

Mr Snashall said: " Specialist skills and previous experience are always welcome, but full training and support will be provided for all volunteers."

Specialist members of staff will be on hand at Tuesday's open day to talk about what is involved in caring for a World Heritage Site. The archaeologists said: "It will also be a chance to meet and talk to current volunteers who play a pivotal role in caring for this unique and very special place."

Those interested in finding out more can book a place on the Avebury volunteer day by ringing (01672) 539250.

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