Our volunteers make a big difference to our small charity. Simply put, we couldn’t do it without them! Being a busy community building, we have volunteers helping us with anything and everything – from running the library, supervising our visits, assisting with events and working on Reception.
This Volunteers’ Week, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our dedicated volunteers and all that they do to support us. Hear from our wonderful volunteers Viv, Becca and Rob as they share their stories and experiences volunteering at the GI.
Viv Crawshaw, Library Volunteer
Viv has been volunteering in our Library for an incredible 10 years. Alongside this, she is also an artist and creates stunning cards which are available to purchase at Reception, with all proceeds going to the GI.
“I have been volunteering at the GI library for 10 years. I worked for 13 years at Oxford University before moving to Surrey in 1996, 9 of which were spent as a Library Assistant in the Hooke undergraduate lending library, part of the Bodleian Library. I loved working there plus have always been a regular library user myself, so when a volunteer position at the GI library was suggested to me I was very happy to join the team. I enjoy meeting the public, undertaking general library duties including processing new books, cataloguing a historic archive and, most of all, simply appreciate spending time in the beautiful old library which all are welcome to join and enjoy.
I have been making art in one way or another for as long as I can remember; attended a life drawing class for 10 years, and several varied art courses over the years, mostly at the St Ives School of Painting, exhibiting both in Oxford and Guildford in the past. I have tried several versions of printmaking; linocut, drypoint, collograph, screen printing but for the last few years have preferred monoprinting on glass, board and, latterly, gelli plates. Monoprinting is a technique where a unique print is created, and cannot be repeated. I prefer to work with leaves or stems using multiple layers of water based acrylics but also use stencils and objects to create texture and interest. A large number of prints never make it onto cards but can be used for collage work in sketch books. Monoprinting is addictive so I found cardmaking as an outlet to fulfill my needs and decided to offer them for sale in aid of charities. I have been donating my cards to the GI for about two years, suggesting keeping sale prices low to encourage sales.
I am also continuing to work on biological ecoprinting, started last year. The process involves bundling plant materials together between sheets of paper, then steaming or boiling the bundle to transfer the colour and patterns from the plants to the paper. The resulting monoprints can be used for card making. If successful I will be donating some of these for sale at the GI”.
Becca Tompkins, Communications and Engagement Intern
Becca is one of our newer volunteers but has already become an essential part of the team. As our Communications and Engagement Intern, each week Becca greets and assists visitors at Reception, helps with our busy afternoon talks, as well as supporting us with tasks ranging from making website events to preparing invoices.
“I have been volunteering at the GI since February 2025, around 4 months and I do a few hours every week. In the time, I have met many lovely people, had many great laughs, and generally had the best time.
One main reason I started volunteering is to become more independent. I have volunteered at libraries and other charities but none like this one. The idea of helping the community and providing support where I can makes me want to do much more in the future.
There are many memorable moments, but the best ones are meeting regular users of the GI and catching up or seeing others who I’ve known from outside the GI and having that funny moment when you realise you know each other. I find the best moments are simply having a conversation or seeing a smile from someone, making their day better.
What I most like about volunteering is the environment; everyone is so welcoming and helpful. I also love working with the community and meeting the variety of people we have enter the building. The spreadsheets and website edits are also a fun bonus!
To anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say do it! It’s a great environment, enjoyable experience and worthwhile. It’s hard to find something I enjoy doing so much”.
Rob Durham, Library Volunteer
Rob has been volunteering with us for over 10 years. While primarily working in our Library, Rob goes above and beyond helping us with our talks, visits and just generally anything we need a hand with!
“When I retired, some thirteen years ago, I was looking for something to keep me out of trouble. I joined The Guildford Institute as I thought I might do one or two classes. Shortly afterwards an email appeared asking for volunteers to help pack up the library when the building was to be refurbished. I agreed to help and was hooked.
I am not the fastest of readers, and therefore not well read, but I love books. For me, working in the library is like being a kid in a sweet shop. Recently, someone came into the library who was researching the life of Cecil Rhodes. Had we anything on him? Apart from a book, in two volumes, on his life we had two other books with references to him. One dated from about 1890 had a title such as “The Men who made the British Empire.” I was amused to see that the book had not been lent out since 1915 but was still available for loan.
The Institute occasionally ask me to do other things to help. I enjoy volunteering at the Institute as I know what I do is really appreciated. I would recommend it to anyone”.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know our volunteers. Whether you’re at the start of your career or are recently retired and interested in volunteering at the GI, we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our volunteers page for more information and to complete our enquiry form.
