Fancy trying a new hobby, learning traditional crafts or giving something back to your local community? Colne Valley Museum is inviting people to discover its busy volunteer teams at a special Recruitment Day, with demonstrations, activities and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
This weekend, visitors can step back in time at Colne Valley Museum, where the skills and traditions of Victorian life will be brought to life through demonstrations of spinning, weaving, clogging and baking.
The museum will be open as usual from 12pm to 4pm, offering visitors the chance to explore its fascinating collections, meet the volunteers who keep its history alive and discover whether volunteering could be their next adventure.
Whether you are looking for a new interest, hoping to meet people, develop practical skills or make a difference locally, there could be a role for you.
Try Traditional Crafts and Discover Local Heritage
There will be plenty happening throughout the museum over the weekend.
On Saturday, the Victorian kitchen will be filled with the aroma of freshly baked Parkin as the baking team demonstrates how this traditional treat is made. Visitors may also have the opportunity to buy some to take home, subject to availability.
On Sunday, the kitchen will host a bread-baking demonstration, showcasing another traditional skill that has been passed down through generations.
Upstairs, in the Loom Chamber, visitors can watch demonstrations on the museum’s large weaving looms. The volunteer weavers will be on hand to explain how the machinery works, share what they are creating and describe what life was like for the people who once worked in the Colne Valley’s weaving industry.
In the spinning room, discover how yarn and thread were made using traditional tools, including spinning wheels and spinning jennies. It is an opportunity to learn more about the processes behind the local textile industry and perhaps even discover a new skill to pass on to others.
Visitors can also explore the Edwardian Clog Makers’ shop, learning about Golcar’s long history of clog making, who wore clogs and the different designs available. You may even get the chance to try a pair on!
Clogging is now considered an endangered craft, making the museum’s work to train new people and preserve this traditional skill particularly important.
Could You Become a Colne Valley Museum Volunteer?
The Recruitment Day is an opportunity to meet the people behind the museum and find out how you could play a part in its future.
Colne Valley Museum is looking for volunteers across a wide range of teams, including:
- Shop and tearoom
- Schools’ team and educational activities
- Outreach visits
- Maintenance
- Collections
- Weaving and spinning
- Clogging
- Washing
- Baking and bread making
You don’t need to be an expert or arrive with years of experience. The opportunity is to learn, share your interests and develop skills while helping preserve an important part of local heritage.
The museum asks for a minimum commitment of just one shift per month, although those who would like to volunteer more frequently are very welcome.
There may be one role that suits you perfectly, or several different teams you’d like to try. The best way to find out is to visit, have a look around and chat with the volunteers.
Supporting Local Heritage Through CSR and Social Value
Colne Valley Museum’s work also highlights an opportunity for local businesses to make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Value are about more than financial donations. Supporting local heritage organisations can help preserve traditional skills, strengthen community connections and create opportunities for people to learn, volunteer and share their knowledge.
For businesses across Kirklees and the wider West Yorkshire area, there are several ways to get involved. These could include encouraging employees to volunteer, supporting community learning activities, helping with practical maintenance, or exploring appropriate partnerships that benefit both the museum and the local community.
For organisations responding to public-sector tenders, community volunteering and heritage partnerships may also contribute to relevant Social Value commitments, depending on the contract requirements and the outcomes that can be evidenced.
It’s a reminder that making a positive local impact doesn’t always require a large budget. Sometimes, sharing time, skills and enthusiasm can make a real difference.
By connecting local organisations, businesses and volunteers, we can help ensure that places like Colne Valley Museum continue to educate, inspire and bring people together for generations to come.
Make a Day of It at Colne Valley Museum
After exploring the demonstrations, visitors can relax in Spring Rock Tearoom, which serves homemade cakes and refreshments. The tearoom is also looking for new volunteers, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cuppa while finding out more.
Before leaving, take a look around the museum shop for cards, gifts, books and products unique to the Colne Valley Museum.
Whether you visit to enjoy the demonstrations, discover local history, find a new hobby or explore volunteering opportunities, you’ll be helping to celebrate the people and skills that make our local communities special.
Event Details
What: Volunteers’ Recruitment Day and Museum Open Day
Where: Colne Valley Museum, Golcar, Huddersfield
When: Saturday and Sunday, 12pm–4pm
Admission: £5; children and museum members go free
Booking: No booking required
Membership: £15 per year, allowing unlimited visits
Find out more at www.colnevalleymuseum.org.uk.
More Exciting Events at Colne Valley Museum
The fun doesn’t stop with this weekend! Colne Valley Museum has plenty more to look forward to over the coming weeks, from traditional crafts and seasonal celebrations to live music and festive family activities.
Add these dates to your diary:
- Cloth Sale – Saturday 31 October to Sunday 1 November, 12pm–4pm.
- The West Riding Concertina Ensemble Concert – Sunday 8 November, 1pm–2.30pm.
- Stir Up Sunday at Colne Valley Museum – Sunday 15 November, 12pm–4pm.
- Homemade Christmas Craft Market – Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 November, 12pm–4pm.
- Visit Father Christmas, Tombola, Mince Pies & Victorian Games – a festive treat to look forward to in December.
These are just some of the exciting events you can discover through the Work Rest or Play Local Calendar, helping you find things to do, support local organisations and make the most of what’s happening in your community.
For further information, including contact details, visit the Colne Valley Museum directory listing on Work Rest or Play.
Looking for more things to do locally? Explore our Local Calendar to discover events, activities and experiences across West and South Yorkshire.
Work Rest or Play celebrates the people, places and organisations making a difference across our local communities. Discover more local events, community organisations and opportunities to get involved through our Local Calendar and directory.