As Trent Park House of Secrets opens its doors, it's our volunteers who are bringing its stories to life - from the glamour of Sir Philip Sassoon's 1930s to the hidden history of the Secret Listeners. They come from all walks of life; all that is needed is a welcoming smile and a passion for sharing our story with visitors.
One of those volunteers is Stephen Dalziel, who has been with us since the museum opened. A former BBC Russia Analyst who interviewed many Soviet and Russian public figures, including Mikhail Gorbachev, and co-translator of Alexei Navalny's memoir Patriot, Stephen brings a wealth of experience - though, as he'll tell you, you don't need a background like his to get involved.
In this Volunteer Spotlight, we ask him what first drew him to Trent Park House.
What made you decide to volunteer at Trent Park House?
I first heard about Trent House when I attended a talk on the Secret Listeners given by the historian Dr Helen Fry in 2016. As well as my interest in Russian history, I have long been interested in Germany in the 20th century and WWII. Learning that there was such a fascinating piece of WWII history on our doorstep excited me greatly. I wanted not only to know more but to be involved.
What does a typical shift look like for you?
I particularly enjoy doing an all-day shift. So I arrive at the House at 0945, have a chat with other volunteers and take up whichever position I am asked to. Having been drawn in by the WWII story of the House, I am now equally fascinated by the life and times of Sir Philip Sassoon, a subject I knew nothing about previously. I am happy to be stationed in either part of the House – the luxurious 30s or the more grim existence of the secret listeners – and have learnt a great deal about both histories. I enjoy sharing this knowledge with visitors.
What's your favourite part of the role?
There are two parts: both sharing my knowledge with visitors and learning more from them! Many visitors have a connection with the House (often when it was a teachers’ training college) or are local and talk about walking in the Park or knowing the House in other ways, and this two-way process is perhaps the most exciting part of volunteering.
What's the most interesting fact or story you've learned since starting?
Learning about Philip Sassoon’s history. Having been attracted by the history of the secret listeners, this was a wonderful and unexpected bonus!
What's surprised you most about volunteering here?
The way in which the two different histories come together in the model room, making it easy to talk about the transition from Sassoon and the 30s to WWII and the German prisoners and the secret listeners.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering?
If you enjoy learning, meeting people and sharing information with them both ways, then try it! My experience over the course of more than ten years has been very positive.
Do you have a personal connection to the house or its history?
No, none; but I am fascinated by those who visit and tell me of their connections.
Have you ever volunteered before?
I have been involved with volunteering for more than ten years in various ways: at the Science Museum, sporting occasions and organising volunteers in professional theatre productions.
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Join Stephen for a tour of the House from Sassoon to WWII
Stephen will be giving a tour of Trent Park House on Wednesday 9 September at 3pm. The tour will cover both the history of the House when it was Sir Philip Sassoon’s country retreat in the 1920s and ‘30s, as well as its role in the Second World War, when secret listeners gathered intelligence from senior German officers who had been captured in the War and were held as prisoners-of-war in the House.
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Join our Volunteer Team!
Are you inspired by Stephen's story? We're always looking for volunteers to join us as Volunteer Stewards, Retail Assistants or Learning Guides.
And if you're interested in research, our Sharing Stories project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is looking for volunteer historians to help uncover more of the House's secrets - from eavesdropping and 'stool pigeons' to its connection with Winston Churchill.
You don't need to be an expert in history - we are looking for people from all backgrounds and walks of life who can help us provide a warm and welcoming visitor experience.
Take a look at our volunteer page to find out more about our opportunities!
