Volunteering is arranged in half-day slots to suit those who help. Weekends are always busy, when more volunteers are needed.

Some volunteers offer time weekly, others are involved on a fortnightly basis.

Training is given,but there are also audio guides, information boards and DVDs on site to assist visitors who come to see and enjoy Cowdray.

Anyone interested in being a Cowdray Volunteer is invited to attend one of two orientation events on Tuesday, May 13 at 10am or Thursday, May 15 at 6.30pm at the Cowdray ruins.

Local guide and historian, Bridget Howard, will be there to explain why the ruins are historically so important and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and to meet Cowdray's newly-appointed operations manager, Heather Ongley.

Anyone interested or wishing to find out more should contact Heather Ongley during the day at 01730 810781 or email her.