Holding original TOP SECRET documents is thrilling and it is enthralling what you can discover!
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and each brings something different to Trent Park House. Ros Brain first joined us in 2023, and volunteers across both our research and front-of-house teams. A former primary school teacher, who studied wartime Britain at university in the 1970s, she's now uncovering Trent Park's secrets first-hand at the National Archives. We asked her about life as a volunteer.
How did you first get involved in Trent Park House?
I’ve been involved with Trent Park House since 2023 after my daughter sent me the link about volunteering. I studied modern history at university in the late 1970s, and was especially fascinated in studying World War Two in Britain. Back then the Official Secrets Act was still in place, so my research and interviews were limited to archives like the Imperial War Museum and the newspaper archives at Colindale. There were so many first-hand wartime stories that I sadly never got to find out from my own family – so this was an amazing opportunity to discover more about what was happening in wartime practically on my doorstep. It was also great that as I had retired, and with less family commitments, I had the time and a travel card which I hadn’t had fifty years ago.
Had you volunteered anywhere before?
Yes - I volunteer with the Barnet u3a magazine, and Enfield Young Carers.
You’re part of our Archive Research strand. What does that involve?
I had never been to the National Archives at Kew before I first went three years ago. I didn’t realise how accessible the information is now, no introductory letter from a university required!
As volunteer researchers, we were shown the basics: joining the reading room, ordering documents, what you can take in (a pencil, but no eraser). Holding original TOP SECRET documents is thrilling and it is enthralling what you can discover. I enjoy the peacefulness of studying in the archives.
I’m also hoping that I will be allowed to have access to some of the documents and diaries which have been kindly donated to Trent Park Museum. With every discovery I grow in awe and respect to what was achieved and the amazing intellect and expertise of the key personnel. It was all accomplished without violence.
What's the most interesting fact or story you've uncovered so far?
Often, I come upon a fascinating piece of information completely by chance. It’s a treasure trove. You never quite know what you will find. Once I found The War Diary of Intelligence Summary. It is an incredible handwritten diary, and I had to read it in the Invigilation Room rather than the main reading room as it was so precious. Uncoded P of W letters revealed a potential German rescue mission at Trent Park (see image below).
I’ve been very interested in finding out about Franz Von Werra, of The One That Got Away fame who was a PoW at Trent Park for a couple of weeks before the generals arrived. Sometimes I follow up a reference in a book such as one by Helen Fry. I have discovered online research documents are now accessible from home which is a great bonus when you can’t get out and about.
You're also volunteering on site at the museum - how does that compare to the research side?
I enjoy the connection with people and learn from the visitors. You never know who you'll meet and what you'll discover from them. It’s great sharing our enthusiasms and experiences. I’ve met countless fascinating people, including those who have contributed to the physical creation of the museum, relatives of Secret Listeners, ex-military personnel, former Middlesex University staff and students…
Meeting the son of a bomber at the RAF Peenemünde Raid in August 1943 was a highlight too as this raid was a direct result of the Generals secrets.
I link some of my research to what I’m asked if the museum staff or other volunteers don’t know the answers, there are so many good questions. I have found out about what the Generals did in air raids and their comments and found in Enfield Air Raid records the types of bombs dropped and where. When I was part of the oral history group I interviewed a local lady who had actually watched some of the bombs dropped over Trent Park as a girl.
What's your favourite part of being in the museum?
It is so awesome being in such beautiful light rooms with everything restored to the glorious Sassoon interiors. Once I walked down to the basement M Rooms – where the Secret Listeners were stationed - before visitors. The lights weren’t on until I stepped through the door. It felt so atmospheric, thinking of all those secret listeners working with 1940s lighting in the basement day in, day out. I enjoy chatting to people and learning different things in different places. In quieter moments I try to spot something new to me to ponder on.
After a career in teaching and with my interactions with younger visitors, I have developed my own ‘Children’s Spotter Guide’ to Trent Park Museum to make the museum even more accessible to them.
I love the way that the museum has been developed from the shell of the house and the ingenious way it has been set up with the use of genuine transcripts etc.
What do visitors ask you about most?
Didn’t the generals suspect? Who made the fantastic model? Were the uniforms to try on in the M room selfie section like those worn by the secret listeners? How did the secret listeners get in unseen? What was left behind?
It makes me think and try to find out the answers…
What's surprised you most about volunteering here?
I think it is how friendly and helpful other volunteers and staff are and feeling valued. From being in the museum, chatting, reading and researching, you continually build layers of understanding about Trent Park.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering at Trent Park House?
It’s life enhancing. Volunteering with Trent Park House has reignited my passion for history from decades ago. I’ve met so many visitors who would make great volunteers. Join us!
