We caught up with our first heritage placement holders to see what they’ve been up to. These roles are part of our Heritage Work Experience Placements, which are one day/week for six months with a variety of heritage and conservation partners across the Island.
Lauren is taking part in the National Trust Ranger Placement, heading out across the Island to support the Rangers with the management of the National Trust sites.
“The ranger experience so far has been amazing and I’ve learnt so much from the rangers that I’ve been working with. I’ve been all over the Island, Mottistone Down, Culver Down, Ventnor Down, Bonchurch and Bembridge windmill, I’ve learnt how to build a fence and a kissing gate. We’ve moved sheep at Culver Down and had to make sure that their heads weren’t stuck in the fence! I’ve also had help from some cows when building a fence a Brook too!”
Jodie is taking part in the Exhibition Coordinator Placement with Newport Minster, she’s taking on a variety of roles and supporting the Minster with planning upcoming exhibitions and events. Jodie recently joined the team on a trip to Portsmouth Cathedral.
“As part of my placement at Newport Minster I was invited to attend the Maundy Thursday service at Portsmouth Cathedral along with members of the community team and the churches vicars, Chris and Steve. We met at Ryde Pier head, along with many other members of the clergy across the Island, and headed over to Portsmouth Cathedral.
Maundy Thursday is a commemoration of Christ washing the feet of the Apostles and the Last Supper. The service was held by the bishop, who was wearing his hat – which I learnt was a rare occurrence, who addressed many issues faced across the world and the churches role in aiding with such. After many readings, prayers and hymns, the members of the clergy renewed their vows and communion was held. I was very honoured to be invited by Chris and Steve to attend such a beautiful service, and the insight it gave me into the importance of the community.
After the service we explored the cathedral and borrowed some ideas to use within the Minster and the exhibition I am working to put together. It was interesting to see the differences between the Cathedral and Minster such as the pulpit, the organ loft and the monumental inscriptions that are a main focus of my research at the moment. It made me realise how lucky we are to have such a beautiful church at the centre of the Island. We then made our way through Portsmouth, where we stopped for a pub lunch and an ice cream before we headed back to the island. It was a very fun day which was great for the team and gave me some great ideas for my research and the exhibition.”
There are more Heritage Work Experience Placements to come over the next 18 months, so please keep an eye out on Brave Island. These placements are paid a stipend of £100/day (a bursary for those in education or training), and are a great way to find out about different types of jobs, or gain some valuable experience in an area you’re already passionate about.
