Barton upon Humber

Get Involved

Autumn storms caused some damage to roof slates. It was impossible to find a roofer able to help so Trust Volunteers, John French and Ian Wolseley tackled the job, replacing dislodged slates. Other work completed by Friends John Walker, Jenny Watson and Vikky Lister has included tidying the site and clearing vegetation.	John French—up to his neck as usual—clearing a drain inspection hole. With the help of Friend, Martin Watson, the roof drains were kept clear during the recent heavy rains, and the ground drainage flows were monitored. Contractors jet-washed the drains and surveyed their condition using remote CCTV. It seems some of the original drainage will be re-useable.
A growing number of people have offered their services as volunteers to help in the new School. There will be all sorts of ways to get involved. Each volunteer will have different amounts of time to offer at the School or from home. Activities will include “front of house” and “behind the scenes” work. Former teachers may like to try their hand as a schoolmistress or schoolmaster in one the role play activities with children. But you don’t have to have taught in the past to do this. You may prefer to work with children or with adults. There will be a shop and a refreshments area to run. If you like meeting people you might like to be a visitor guide. An oral history group will interview former pupils and staff of the School, and others keen to share their childhood memories. These interviews will need transcribing and adding to the Archive. The collections of the School will need tender loving care and meticulous recording. If you have practical skills – making, mending, even gardening – these would be much appreciated too. Whatever your background, this might be just the opportunity to develop new interests and skills with the friendly support of others. Contact Ian Wolseley ( 660445) if you think you would like to get involved.

During the autumn the windows were unblocked to air and dry the building, and get light inside for internal works. Minor repairs to the roof were done too. Asbestos was removed and the site cleared of debris including thirty years of pigeon guano! The building was then pigeon-proofed.