As a little context, this is a cartoon reflecting current broader issues, although the topic arises from stories I’m hearing from specific sites. Volunteers are the lifeblood of many heritage sites and museums, working tirelessly in front and behind the scenes to maintain and promote places they care deeply about. Organisations such as the National Trust wouldn't be here without them. However, with government cuts, funding increasingly hard to procure and belts generally tightening, more venues are turning to volunteers for help – and discovering the raft of issues which come along with this 'miracle’ workforce.
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Those of you having to work in visitor locations over the 'festive' period, perhaps not relishing days stuck with fractious kids (we don't have a Santa), bored parents (it's not interactive, it's Tudor), bewlidered tourists (snow isn't a cert, sorry your photos will suck) and stressed buyers (the gift shop ran out of that limited print artisan made mug a month ago) here's hoping you can make the most of it, or at least relish your time at home when you get it.
Some people even get stuck with security duty on Christmas nights and Day itself, a mixed blessing, but a vital role. Bless you, keep up the good work everyone and keep smiling through 2012! Having been in a bit of a rush with various things yesterday, the comic is going up late - by way of an apology, here's a two parter!
If you've ever been on maintenance duty or your job involves working on old objects, you'll know the terror of when something chips, cracks, a bit falls off.... Fortunately people are usually very understanding, but it still doesn't stop your heart racing when you have to confess. (Incedentally, I was stood a good fifteen minutes or so poking that slither of wood together with one finger, while everyone who walked past asked "What's wrong?" and I had to explain over and over "I spilt the wood with an electric drill" their mocking comments or looks of outright pity were penance enough for the accident. You can sort of see her point, what makes it special if it's the only one? Especially when it's terribly ugly...
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Webcomic and occasional blog about the heritage sector. Follow The Attendant:Topics
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February 2023
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