The Ouseburn Trust has an abiding commitment to celebrating and preserving the heritage of the Valley. We have an ongoing photographic and oral history archive and have run a series of short heritage projects.  We are currently applying for funding to develop a longer term programme of heritage activities. 

Research volunteers

• identify a subject of interest in the Ouseburn Valley to research and making a plan of action, this could involve research on the internet, searching databases, original documents, visiting archives, photo research, interviews, etc.
• set an achievable target and choose a low cost way of making this information public.
• develop new skills, gaining confidence and learning to appreciate the local area in a different way.
• Volunteers should be clear from the outset about what is private research (and their own copyright), and research done as an Ouseburn Trust volunteer (which will belong to the Trust)

Volunteers will need:

• An interest in local history.
• To be comfortable using computers for research
• Commitment to accuracy and respect for sources.
• Ability to present information well, either written or spoken.
• A good knowledge of the Ouseburn area is useful but not essential.
• To be able to work unsupervised on their project

Training provided

No formal training is available, volunteers are expected to be self reliant. However we have a team of volunteers with different skills and we encourage skill sharing wherever possible.

Time required

This can vary. Computers are available at the Ouseburn Trust on Wednesdays if volunteers wish to make use of them, however research can be done out of the office.  A monthly Heritage Research Meeting is held and volunteers are encouraged to attend or send an update of their progress.

Register your interest as a volunteer