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Above and below left: Heritage Volunteers from Romsey DFAS have helped Collections Manager Barbara Burbridge (far left, in pink) at St John’s HouseRight: Some of the student artists from Guildford County School in the waiting room exhibition spaceFar right: Mary Hepburn, Donald Hepburn and Sue Robinson from Hart DFASTalk of the townWhether it’s Heritage Volunteering, Young Arts or Church Recording, NADFAS volunteering makes a real difference to the local community, as three varied projects illustrate King John’s House and Heritage Centre in Romsey offers a fascinating glimpse of over 750 years’ of history, thanks to its three houses, garden and collection of artefacts. Located on one of the town’s most famous thoroughfares, links with the community are strengthened by regular talks, exhibitions, craft events and lifestyle reenactments for schools.In May, Arts Council England declared the complex to be a fully accredited museum. The accreditation process helps guide museums to be the best they can be, for current and future users. A key part is organising the collections – a lengthy and potentially expensive task. Two years ago, Sue Mullane, the Romsey DFAS Heritage Representative, approached Collections Manager Barbara Burbridge offering assistance. The relationship went from there – a group of nine Heritage Volunteers from the Society have played a crucial role by helping out six times a month, for two hours at a time. “Whether it’s an old wooden clog worn at the brewery or an exquisitely hand-worked piece of lace, learning about the surprising variety of artefacts we sort through at King John’s House gives you a real sense of connection with the life of ordinary and extraordinary people who lived in Romsey in the past,” commented Jane Chambers, one of the volunteer team. Barbara was in touch with Sue as soon as the successful outcome was known. She wrote of the team: “I couldn’t have got the collection to the stage we have reached without their enthusiasm and support, and I really appreciate every type of input – from you managing the rotas to Stephen painstakingly scraping the old labels off the glass-fronted drawers, plus Ginny carting off items to treat for woodworm! “The core work of tracing items, writing inventories and entering items onto the computer spreadsheet helped me to know the stored material well enough to get through the assessment day without a hitch. My thanks to all. Every member of the team has become a friend, and that is a much valued bonus.”Work continues with no end date in sight at present. The team have been learning new skills, such as the correct way to wrap garments in acid-free tissue, and how to care and conserve artefacts. Kate Allen, one of the volunteers, said: “I’ve enjoyed working at King John’s House because you get a chance to learn so much about local history. Barbara is a mine of fascinating information and it’s so worthwhile to be helping to preserve local documents and artefacts for the next generation.”58 NADFAS REVIEW / SPRING 2017 www.nadfas.org.ukVOLUNTEERING