Volunteering

Supporting Coultershaw

Coultershaw is entirely managed, operated and maintained by volunteers. From the initial restoration of the pump in 1980 our volunteers have continued to develop the site while welcoming many thousands of visitors. We have exciting plans for the future with many more activities and events throughout the season. 

 

Can you help?

Our volunteers help in different ways, including…

  • Welcoming and guiding visitors on Open Days
  • Maintaining the heritage and generally looking after the site
  • Helping to deliver our learning programme and other activities
  • Researching the history of Coultershaw

Volunteering at Coultershaw is flexible according to the time our volunteers have available.

If you wish to help please email [email protected], use the contact form or call Barry on 01798 667244

Welcoming Visitors

Coultershaw opens on Sundays between Easter and September. Our enthusiastic and friendly Visitor Welcome Guides explain to visitors what they can see and explore around this unique and wonderful site. Volunteers can choose to attend for the morning (10am to 1:30pm), the afternoon (1:30pm to 5pm) or all day. There is always one volunteer present trained to safely operate the water wheel.

Maintenance

Our maintenance volunteers meet on Tuesday mornings. The tasks undertaken range from mowing the grass to replacing the hydro generator’s gearbox! Keeping the very old water wheel & pump working is often a major challenge and a great learning opportunity. Throughout 2024 one of our priority activities will be the renovation of the South Warehouse to create a new workshop and exhibition room. No special skills are required, just enthusiasm for the site and its heritage.

To see what is involved and meet the team please email or simply call in at the site on a Tuesday morning. There is always a cup of tea waiting!

Learning

Coultershaw offers curriculum-related learning opportunities for primary age school groups. Our learning team, led by an experienced teacher, prepares and delivers activities based on the themes of the site – nature, rivers and water power. Teaching experience is not essential. Our aim is to offer a fun and interesting day for all the children.

Research

Our small group of researchers are building a wealth of knowledge relating to the River Rother, its industry and people, for future permanent exhibition at Coultershaw. They also create temporary exhibitions for special event days and will soon be looking after the extensive Jerome/Costello collection of Petworth historic artefacts and documents.