Good news - I got a voluntary post!

Hello Everyone I hope you are all ok and happy.  It has been a busy day for me and I was up and dashing through Shropshire this morning at 7.30 to make sure that I was there bright and early for my interview.  I wasn't sure what to expect in my interview but it was so relaxed and enjoyable and the time just flew. I was asked if I would stay on for an induction which I was really pleased to do.  I was able to meet six other volunteers and we had a full and thorough grounding in to what was expected of us as volunteers. However I still didn't really know if I had a place or not until the end when a lady came into to measure us for our costumes - how exciting!  Now to give you a few clues, although I am sure you have already guessed.

 

This is one of my favourite shops in the village and I know you will have guessed where I am going.

 

 

 

 

How I love these bonnets, they are so pretty and it is wonderful to see them being made in the shop on an old fashioned Singer sewing machine.

 

 

Some of the very interesting artefacts in the shop, I would love some of these in my sewing room, what about you? 

 

 

The shop window shows the old Queen Victoria in mourning for her beloved Prince Albert.

 

 

Now you already know what I am going to say - yes I have been offered a place as a volunteer at Blists Hill - yippee!  I am over the moon as it has always been a place I wanted to work and I thought well why not volunteer.  I contacted them and was told that there was a long waiting list but could I fill in a form and send some references.  After a few days they asked me to go for an interview which was today but I went thinking that I would be put on a waiting list but now it seems as if it will happen rather more quickly.  I am so excited thinking about what cottage I will be in and what my costume will be like.  We were given some guidelines about not wearing any modern watches, earrings or brooches - they all have to be in the Victorian period.  We can only wear boots and no modern clothing at all so it all has to be authentic.  They suggested that I bring some sewing or knitting or rag rugs to make up whilst I am in my cottage so I am thinking of making up my lovely hexagons from Angela into a perfectly lovely bag which will be keeping with Victoriana.  I also have to make sure that the knitting pins are in the period so I need to make sure that everything is correct.  I also have to be instructed in making up the fire in the cottage I will be in - hopefully I won't set the whole place alight as it has been about 10 years since I lit a household fire.

 

Well my Lovelies I hope you are pleased for me and I will of course be telling more once I start my shifts.  Blists Hill is about 60 miles one way from where I live and I obviously need to make sure that I don't overdo things but I am thinking of going about twice a month to start with and see how it goes.  There are a lot of opportunities there which I am excited about and I will really enjoy working with the visitors and the staff/volunteers.  I was going to take lots of photographs today but it was just pouring with rain and not the best day to take any but rest assured you will be getting lots once I start.

 

Phew!  A great day and I actually lost the old dog today, I think I left him behind as I raced through Shropshire this morning and think he is still making his way back here, poor old thing!  As you know one of my big resolutions this New Year was to engage in voluntary work and I was feeling rather dejected as I couldn't seem to get anywhere with the elderly sector, however, that is all behind me.  I hope you have had a good a day as I have - I am sending you all huge hugs and loves - I hope you are enjoying your evening/day wherever you are in the world.  Do leave some comments if you have time as I love to hear from you all.  Lots of love to you Dorothy:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx