Oral History Volunteers, Job Description
Context
The Leas Lift has been at the heart of Folkestone for nearly 140 years. The current restoration project will restore this much-loved Victorian funicular lift to serve the community once again, not only as a form of transport but as a place for community activities and local events.
Whether you have fond memories of riding the Leas Lift when it was still open, whether you are retired, a student, have some spare time, are looking for new challenges or the opportunity to gain a new skill: we are currently looking for 6 volunteers to join our team!
Whoever you speak to in Folkestone: they will have a story to tell about the Lift. Sometimes the Lift is at the centre of the story and sometimes it is a silent witness to a personal memory or experience. But all these stories together form a crucial record of Folkestone’s fascinating past and identity through time.
The Folkestone Leas Lift Charity is keen to capture these ‘lift stories’ before they are lost. Oral History volunteers will help us find Folkestone residents who are willing to tell their story, interview and record them, and develop ways in which these stories can be shared with the general public, for example through our website or through an audio tour. All oral stories will be archived by Folkestone Museum
Our Oral History volunteer roles can fit around your schedule and your interests. We provide training where needed and volunteers receive an induction. Through volunteering, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain experience in working at a heritage site, meet new people and be part of an exciting project that benefits our local community.
If this sounds of interest, we would love to hear from you!
Please email hello@leaslift.co.uk with a short description of how you meet the skills and attributes and why you would like the role. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, 22 January at 9AM.
| Brief Description of Role and Key Duties | Set up interviews with local people. Listen to the stories of local peopleRecord stories using professional recording devicesEdit storiesUpload storiesCataloguing of stories using keywords and terms |
| Volunteer Skills & Attributes | Enjoy meeting and talking to people from a wide variety of backgroundsFriendly, polite, welcoming, approachable, and enthusiasticHave an interest in people and local history.Enjoy learning more about our local history and Leas LiftPunctual and reliable; willing to work outside in any weather. Learn to use a range of technology, including recording and editing equipmentHave access to a computerYou will need to be over 18 years old to carry out this role |
| It’s an opportunity to… | Develop or use your public engagement and presentation skills.Inspire enthusiasm, understanding and curiosity for this wonderful heritage project.Gain experience in a public facing role on a nationally important site.Give back to the community through collecting heritage stories.Meet new people and have fun. |
| When is the opportunity available to and from and what is the time commitment | This opportunity is available from February 2025, with an oral history training scheduled for Friday 7 February 2025. The project will run throughout 2025 with a celebratory event planned at its conclusion. We would expect volunteers to give a minimum of 4 hours a month. |
| Where will it be based and what facilities are available to me? | Volunteers can work from home or in our temporary office and will be required to work in various locations around Folkestone. Recording equipment will be made available to borrow. Travel expenses will be covered. |
| What will I be expected to wear? | Casual but presentable clothing. |
| What training is available? | Training will be provided by the Community Engagement Manager as well as the Oral History Society. We may request you to take part in further training later. You will be required to complete a DBS application which will be paid for by the Leas Lift. |
