The Leas Lift has been at the heart of Folkestone for nearly 140 years. The current restoration project will restore this much-loved Victorian funicular lift to serve the community once again, not only as a form of transport but as a place for community activities and local events.
Whether you have fond memories of riding the Leas Lift when it was still open, whether you are retired, a student, have some spare time, are looking for new challenges or the opportunity to gain a new skill: we are currently looking for 6 volunteers to join our team!
Whoever you speak to in Folkestone: they will have a story to tell about the Lift. Sometimes the Lift is at the centre of the story and sometimes it is a silent witness to a personal memory or experience. But all these stories together form a crucial record of Folkestone’s fascinating past and identity through time.
The Folkestone Leas Lift Charity is keen to capture these ‘lift stories’ before they are lost. Oral History volunteers will help us find Folkestone residents who are willing to tell their story, interview and record them, and develop ways in which these stories can be shared with the general public, for example through our website or through an audio tour. All oral stories will be archived by Folkestone Museum.
Brief Description of Role and Key Duties
• Set up interviews with local people.
• Listen to the stories of local people
• Record stories using professional recording devices
• Edit and Upload stories
• Cataloguing of stories using keywords and terms
Volunteer Skills & Attributes
• Enjoy meeting and talking to people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Friendly, polite, welcoming, approachable, and enthusiastic
• Have an interest in people and local history.
• Enjoy learning more about our local history and Leas Lift
• Punctual and reliable; willing to work outside in any weather.
• Learn to use a range of technology, including recording and editing equipment
• Have access to a computer
• You will need to be over 18 years old to carry out this role
Our Oral History volunteer roles can fit around your schedule and your interests. We provide training where needed and volunteers receive an induction. Through volunteering, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain experience working at a heritage site, meet new people, and be part of an exciting project that benefits our local community.
If this sounds of interest, we would love to hear from you!