Shoemakers Museum in Street is calling on residents to join its volunteer team ahead of the 2026 season. A Volunteer Information Day will be held on Tuesday, 27 January from 12pm to 1.30pm at the museum in Clarks Village.

The drop-in session will offer details on a wide range of volunteer roles, with refreshments provided by Shoemakers Café. No booking is required.

Volunteers support the museum in visitor engagement, guided tours, education sessions and garden maintenance. Roles are open to all backgrounds, with training provided and flexible scheduling available.

"Volunteers are the foundation of Shoemakers Museum," said director Rosie Martin. "They not only welcome visitors but give the museum its warmth, personality and connection to the local community."

Janet McHugh, a former Clarks employee, shares stories from her factory days with visitors. "It's a joy to talk to people about life in the factory and to see their surprise when they realise they've worn shoes made right here in Street," she said.

Fellow volunteer Ian Higton added: "I used to cut 70 pairs of shoes a day. Now, I'm sharing the history of shoemaking with a whole new generation – and loving every moment."

Behind the scenes, Karen Donaldson has helped catalogue the collection and shape exhibitions. "It's been rewarding to see how something I worked on years ago is now part of an exhibition enjoyed by so many," she said.

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