Position: Volunteer Tour Guide
Location: Foxton Canal Museum
Reports to: Museum Curator / Education Officer

 

Role Overview:
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team as Tour Guides at Foxton Locks. As a Volunteer Tour Guide, you will lead groups around this historic site, sharing fascinating stories about its past, the role of the inclined plane, and the impact of the canal system on local and national history.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading Tours: Conduct engaging and informative guided tours around Foxton Locks, including the remains of the Inclined Plane, telling the story of the site’s rich history.

• Engaging Visitors: Make history come to life for visitors of all ages, creating a memorable experience with your knowledge, storytelling, and enthusiasm.

• Answering Questions: Be ready to answer questions from visitors, offering additional information and insights as they arise during the tours.

• Supporting Group Visits: Assist with community groups and general public tours, adapting your approach to different audiences.

• Ensuring Visitor Safety: Ensure the safety and comfort of tour participants, including keeping track of group sizes and staying within designated tour areas.

• Promoting the Museum: Let visitors know about the museum’s exhibits, upcoming events, and educational programs they can explore during or after the tour.

 

Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For:

• A passion for history and an interest in the unique story of Foxton Locks and the Inclined Plane.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and inform a wide range of visitors.

• Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and telling stories in an engaging and entertaining way.

• Friendly, approachable, and confident when speaking to groups.

• Ability to adapt to different group sizes and audiences, including schoolchildren and families.

• A love for the outdoors, as tours take place around the open site and locks.

 

Time Commitment:
We’re flexible with hours! Ideally, we’re looking for volunteers who can commit to at least 1 shift per week (12am- 2.30pm or 2pm-4.30pm, Saturday-Wednesday) , but we’re happy to work with your schedule.

What You’ll Gain:

• A chance to bring history to life and share an incredible local story with visitors.

• Experience in public speaking and leading tours.

• The opportunity to be part of a friendly and passionate team at a historic and much-loved site.

• Invitations to special museum events and access to educational resources about the site.

 

Requirements:

• Driving license

• References needed

• Over 18+ years old

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Volunteers will be able to claim reimbursement for travel.