Are you looking for volunteering opportunities? We would welcome you to our friendly group.
Founded in 1988, the Friends of Oakwell Hall and Country Park are a voluntary support group for this wonderfully authentic 16th Century Manor House in Yorkshire. And help to support its surrounding 110 acres of country park. We undertake a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities at Oakwell Hall.
The Friends’ history
Oakwell has never been short of volunteers, even before the Friends group was founded. Back in the 1980s, the Hall underwent a major refurbishment which brought it into the condition you see today. It needed a lot of cleaning and dusting. The volunteers undertook these tasks, as well as helping out in the Park. As a result, we decided to found a Friends group.
From the start, we wanted the group to have as wide a range of members as possible. We made sure that there was something to appeal to anyone, something we’ve always tried to adhere to. We put forward a Constitution, held elections, and officially came into existence.
Early events
Our first event was a Barbeque and Barn Dance. It was just as well this was literally in the barn, as the weather was terrible. The poor cooks were outside and got drenched, but everyone had a great evening. All in all, a success.
During the get-together, we noticed that the barn floor was uneven and needed pointing. Of course, we offered to repoint it – an offer that was instantly taken up by the Rangers. So we started our outside activities as well. It took two full days to do but lasted for quite a few years.
We began to organise Tea Stalls at events. In those days, outside under the Visitor Centre canopy. The first one raised the princely sum of £11.00 for our funds – a far cry from now! We also began to contribute help to the Hall, and a group of members under the leadership of Joan Wood began work on the wonderful embroidered drapes you now see on the Westmorland bed. The design was by Barry Lockwood, also a member of the group.
We introduced guiding, but in those days we didn’t use costumes. We just sat in a room, only speaking when spoken to. It was pretty hard for a garrulous bunch like us! However, this soon changed. We began to dress in costume, either borrowed from the Hall or our own, and to undertake simple tasks such as making oat cakes, quill pen writing, and embroidery.
By now we were well into our stride and undertook a number of large tasks and projects and we’ve never looked back. Why not become part of our history, and join us? We welcome new members and volunteers.
Find out more about our projects on this link
Find out more about volunteering on this link