We have a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers who help us run the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre. They also guide tours, meet the public on the bridge and support our schools programme. Our volunteers are an integral part of the Visitor Centre and without their commitment, we would not able to pass on the story of the bridge to the thousands of people who visit us each year! We would like to send a huge thank you to all of our past and present volunteers. To celebrate Volunteers’ Week we asked Susan and Diane, two of our volunteers, about their volunteering experiences.
Susan, What volunteer roles do you do at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust?
I volunteer as a host within the centre, welcoming visitors and explaining the exhibitions to them. I also volunteer as an Explainer where I walk around on the bridge explaining to visitors and answering any questions. I have also helped in the classroom with school groups and tail-ended tours.
What motivated you to offer your time?
I love learning new facts about Bristol and I enjoy meeting new people. It is an opportunity to help the staff of the CSBT and educate locals and tourists alike. Generally, I love volunteering. I find it personally and professionally fulfilling and I am continually learning, gaining professional experience, promoting my personal growth and also my self-esteem. Volunteering is a wonderful way to spend your time; it is a way to try something new, to gain new experiences, improve career prospects and build confidence. Getting involved like this can be a real challenge, it helps take you out of your daily life and make a difference. It encourages civic responsibility and gives you the opportunity to give back, to share, learn and to broaden your horizons – even push you to the limits of your comfort zone.
Do you offer your time at other institutions?
I also work for a variety of other charities and organisations based in Bristol including The British Paraorchestra, We The Curious Science Centre, Riding for the Disabled Academy, Bristol Wood Recycling Project, St Peter Hospice, Bristol Libraries, Avon & Beyond Hospital Charity and various festivals and fairs.
What is the most satisfying/enjoyable thing about volunteering at the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Chatting with visitors, helping them understand more about the amazing and iconic Suspension Bridge. Seeing children enjoying the activities that are available to them. I think we are designed to help each other; help comes in many forms and I truly believe that volunteering is one way to accomplish what we are meant to accomplish in life.
Is your answer different to this question when applied to your other volunteering roles?
Yes. A lot of the other volunteering I do is out of doors which is why I enjoy them because, after 20 years working in an office, I really want to be outside and getting exercise whilst still benefiting the community.
Diane, What volunteer roles do you do at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust?
Bridge explainer and vault tail end guide
What motivated you to offer your time?
Love the bridge, great people to work with and for, enjoy meeting and helping visitors enjoy their experience when visiting the bridge.
Do you offer your time at other institutions?
Yes, Bristol Zoo Gardens
What is the most satisfying/enjoyable thing about volunteering at the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Speaking with the public and hoping that my pleasure and knowledge of the bridge and Bristol makes them want to return
Is your answer different to this question when applied to your other volunteering roles?
No, same enjoyment in both roles