Pier Volunteer Interview - Ian
Introducing the third article of our Volunteer Interview Series!
This is where we chat individually with each one of our brilliant volunteers on the Pier, whilst they share their own stories of why they joined our wonderful team of volunteers and what it means to them.
This is an ongoing series, so make sure you keep up to date on new releases.
Question 1– How Long Have You Been Volunteering for Clevedon Pier?
Ian has been volunteering on the Pier for the past 8 years after moving to Clevedon from Canada.
Question 2– What Did You Do Before Volunteering for Clevedon Pier?
Beforehand, he worked for a society that housed and supported individuals in unfortunate and difficult situations, such as addicts.
Question 3– Why Did You Become a Volunteer for Clevedon Pier?
When Ian first moved to Clevedon, he didn’t know many people. A volunteer for Clevedon Pier approached him and asked if he would be interested in volunteering… And the rest is history!
Question 4– What Does Your Volunteering Involve?
- Ian is one of two/small group of volunteers who do everything plaque-focused. They lay and remove all the plaques on the planks of the Pier, which involves 2-20 plaques a week, contributing to the ever growing total, which currently we believe to be just over 16,000!
- He is also involved in hobbling (tying up) the Waverly, and on the odd occasion, Balmoral, when the ships visit the Pier for excursions and tours.
Question 5– What Do You Enjoy Most About Volunteering?
- Ian loves witnessing visitors admiring and reading the plaques along the Pier as a lot of them are special and sentimental. He enjoys being able to help families and friends bring their plaques to life and share memories often written on the plaques themselves.
- Volunteering also gives Ian the opportunity to meet and chat to everybody on the Pier, whether they are volunteers themselves, staff or visitors. He especially finds joy in chatting to the fishermen who are often fishing off the Pier, and has made lifelong friends thanks to his volunteering role.
Question 6– What Are The Benefits of Being a Clevedon Pier Volunteer?
Ian shares how great an opportunity it is to get to know people as a result of working among other volunteers, whilst also meeting visitors throughout the day. He also explains how lovely a place it is to be, in the fresh air, especially when living alone, and believes it is a brilliant place to be for your own wellbeing.
Question 7– What Interests You Most About Clevedon Pier?
Ian is mostly interested in and loves how Clevedon Pier is such a natural and historic structure. He believes that it is “left and maintained as it should be”, preserved for generations to come, without being ‘ruined’ by modern attractions.
Question 8– What Would You Say to Someone to Encourage Them To Become a Clevedon Pier Volunteer?
He says that volunteering is great to participate in if you are retired and have spare time on your hands, as it is a good way to meet and interact with people “for your mental and physical health”.
If you are interested and want to find out more about volunteering positions at Clevedon Pier, please email enquiries@clevedonpier.com or visit the link below:
