Why not lend your support to the Friends of Gayle Mill by joining us? Our annual subscription will help us achieve our goal of re-opening and running Gayle Mill in association with the Gayle Mill Trust. In addition you will receive our magazine “Off-Cuts” and our occasional newsletter “Wood Shavings” together with an opportunity to join in local fund-raising and other practical events. (For more information please see the About page.)

To apply for membership simply print out this form and return it with the appropriate cheque for your annual subscription as follows:

• Adult Friend: £10
• Junior Friend: (under 18): £5
• Family Group: (two adults plus children under 18): £20

Send your completed form and subscription to

Liz Burrage
Swiss Cottage
The Newkin
Bainbridge
DL8 3EJ

Volunteer Roles at Gayle Mill
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Gayle Mill will only be able to function effectively if it has a strong volunteer team to carry out all kinds of roles. Some of the opportunities for people to volunteer themselves at the Mill are outlined here. But the list is not exhaustive, and undoubtedly other opportunities will arise.

2008 SEASON

Tour Guide

General tours - taking groups of pre-booked visitors (max 25 per group) around the Mill to explain its importance, history and development since 1784. Each tour should last approximately an hour.

Specialist tours – extended general tour (lasting up to 1½ hours) but focusing on specific themes in more detail, e.g., the historical development of the hydro-electric systems; the technology of the Victorian machines; sustainable energy production; the importance of mills (from cotton-spinning to wood processing) in the Dales; etc

Reception/Sales/Information

Welcoming visitors (and checking them against pre-booked list); taking last minute bookings on site; sales of tickets and merchandise; providing any general information for visitors

Demonstrating Woodworking Machines

Operating some of the Victorian machines on the middle floor through the use of power from the turbine; being able to talk knowledgeably on different aspects of traditional wood product manufacture. On certain occasions, demonstrating also methods of traditional woodcrafts, e.g.. by using a pole-lathe.

Wood Product Manufacture

Being able to manufacture a range of wood-products using modern machinery, for retail sale to the visiting public.

Working Parties

Hands-on sessions to carry out either one-off tasks (e.g.. painting floors and walls in preparation for opening at Easter 2008) or annual jobs (e.g.. cleaning the leat of debris; creating firewood for sale and cutting up off-cuts for the biomass boiler; spring-cleaning). Maintenance of site to a good standard.

Timber Services Assistance

Working with the Machinist-Woodworker, using the Wood-Mizer on- and offsite to saw trunks up into planks; moving and stacking timber for drying; fashioning tree-stakes

Timber Transportation

Using your own tractor and/or trailer to help transport (locally) felled and/or sawn up timber to and from the Mill and our storage facilities

Promotions and Literature Distribution

Ensuring other attractions and information venues (e.g.. TICs) are stocked with promotional leaflets throughout the visitor season. Attending events and shows to promote Gayle Mill as widely as possible.

Fundraising

Helping the Friends of Gayle Mill to raise income for the Mill through different events and activities.

Portable Appliance Testing

Annual testing of all portable electrical equipment to ensure safety and le.g.al compliance

Volunteer Co-ordination and Administration

Co-ordinating specific volunteer activities, e.g.. creating rosters, especially of tour guides. Ensuring all volunteers are kept up to date with information, training opportunities and courses. Helping with further volunteer recruitment, and even volunteer training.

Visitor Research

Getting feedback from people about their visit to Gayle Mill (written questionnaires and face-to-face interviews) – how much they enjoyed the experience, why, what could be done better or differently etc. Help with analysis of results.

END OF 2008 SEASON ONWARDS

Gayle Mill Administration

Archiving of material such as photographs, media coverage; helping out with mailings; preparing the upper room for different (training/teaching) activities

Room Steward

Presence on lower floor: being prepared to answer any questions from visitors on self-guided tours (information folders will be provided)

Photography

Taking pictures of any events/activities at GM (for future use both as a record and for promotional purposes)

Oral History Recording

Recording (and transcribing) the memories of local people who remember Gayle Mill as a working sawmill. Also researching other historical documents for more knowledge about and pictures of the Mill.

Educational Activities and Events

Devising and carrying out activities for children of primary/secondary school age at GM and possibly also as outreach work. Help steward special events during the main visitor season.

Visitor Transport

Voluntary drivers able to ferry visitors from Hawes to Gayle Mill and back again in vehicles ranging from minibuses to horse-and-carts.

Full training will be given as appropriate.

Contact

Gayle Mill is also keen to hear from anyone who might be willing to volunteer their professional skills and experience. It is always helpful to have recourse to a variety of (ex-)professionals for their advice – such people might include teachers, lawyers, quantity surveyors, architects, designers, artists, craftspeople, engineers, electricians, fundraisers, IT specialists, and many more!

Please contact Paul Bisson (Manager) or Sue Stokes (Administrator) in the first instance on 01969 677320 or e-mail admin@gaylemill.org.uk.

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