Kiplin Hall and Gardens recognises the contribution of its ‘fifth family’ as volunteers celebrate decades of support The historic house is 400 years old and was saved for the nation in the 1970’s. Today it is open as a historic house museum with ample gardens and grounds. A small team of staff run the visitor attraction with support from over 160 volunteers, many of whom have been giving up their time for over a decade. ‘Volunteers are a key part of Kiplin Hall and Gardens. They have roles across the organisation from gardeners to room stewards, trustees to receptionists. We simply couldn’t do it without them.’ comments Rosie Kluz, Front of House & Volunteer Manager. ‘The volunteers bring something extra special to Kiplin. They talk to our visitors about the history of the hall or nature in the gardens. They bring the hall to life for everyone with their passion and knowledge. They are also busy behind the scenes conducting research or recording ecology in the grounds. Many of the volunteers have been here longer than the staff. We call them our fifth family; following the four families who owned the hall before it was gifted to the nation.’ Each summer volunteers are recognised at a celebration event called Charter Day, to mark the anniversary of the signing of the charter to colonise Maryland in North America. George Calvert the 1st Baron Baltimore, the man who built Kiplin Hall, and his decedents founded Maryland and strong links to the USA remain to this day. Volunteers are awarded long services badges for 5, 10 and 15 years of service. ‘Since the first volunteers were recruited in the year 2000 we are now approaching the time when we will need to introduce a 20 year badge. The dedication, passion and enthusiasm of our volunteers is incredibly special, so we are very proud to recognise their achievements.’ says James Etherington, Director of Kiplin Hall and Gardens. Kiplin Hall welcomes new volunteers and currently has opportunities in room stewarding and tea room roles. If you’d like to be part of the Kiplin family get in touch with Rosie Kluz or visit www.kiplinhall.co.uk to register your interest. Image captions 1. Front of House Manager Rosie Kluz with volunteer Caroline Harvey who was awarded a 15 year badge at the celebration event. 2. Rosie pictured with volunteers Eric and Margaret Ponton recieving their gold 10 years service badge. 3. The 15 year’s service badge depicting Kiplin Hall Notes To Editors: • Contact: Samantha Jennings (Marketing and Communications Officer) 07811190193 [email protected] • Kiplin Hall, Near Scorton, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 6AT www.kiplinhall.co.uk • Kiplin Hall is an historic house museum set in 100 acres of grounds between Northallerton and Richmond; the visitor attraction enjoys a peaceful location with grounds comprising woodland, parkland, lakeside, and lawns. • Open Saturday to Wednesday, 10 am (Hall 11am) – 5pm (Closed Thursdays and Fridays) • TEA ROOM - free entry. Enjoy homemade seasonal specialities in the company of Kiplin’s ancestor’s (immortalised in oil paintings on the walls) in Kiplin’s wonderful wood panelled Tea Room. • A Million Dreams runs from Saturday 29th June to Wednesday 11th September 2019 • Entry to Hall, Gardens and Grounds ticket - £10.50 adults, £9.50 conc, £5.50 child, under 5’s free. £28.00 Family ticket. Seasonal passes are available. .