VOLUNTEERS gave almost 16,000 hours of their time to help out at Minsteracres Retreat Centre in the first nine months of last year.

And now the team at the Grade II listed building have organised an open house event next month to recruit more helpers to lighten the load.

“We have really broadened the opportunities available here in recent years,” said volunteer co-ordinator Jean Haldane.

“We have always relied on volunteers in the dining room, but now they are helping our housekeeping team, managing our 110 acre estate and providing outreach support to people in need.

“Recently, we have even found help to collect and input data, collating visitor evaluation forms, updating our contact database and collecting statistics on volunteer hours.

“We always say that if you have a skill, we can probably use it!”

The open house will offer an opportunity to meet other volunteers, talk about what they get up to and see some of the areas they might work in.

In addition to tours of the house and displays, visitors will have the chance to visit the peace garden and the grounds, where they can see what other volunteers have already achieved.

Jean added: “The work, particularly in the grounds, can be as light or as heavy as you choose.

“Though one of our conservation volunteers likes to joke that people join thinking they’re going to be doing a bit of light weeding and find themselves given a shovel and a shock!”

On Bank Holiday Monday, May 2, along with teas and tours, visitors are invited to have a look at the wide range of volunteering opportunities available at the retreat centre.

For more details of the open house event or volunteering, contact Minsteracres on (01434) 673248 or email info@minsteracres.org.