London of Sutton's Cultural Services

Little Holland House is a unique Arts & Crafts style house in Carshalton Beeches. It was designed and built by Frank Dickinson, between 1902 and 1904, who lived there with his wife Florence and their two children. It is now owned and opened to the public by the London Borough of Sutton.

 

The garden is integral to the history and story of the house and the Dickinson family, with some original planting still very much growing and some which has been replanted over the years to referencing the Dickinson's story - like the pear tree Frank and Florence received as a wedding gift in 1904, planted at a slight angle just as Frank had wanted.

We are looking for volunteers to help us keep the history and spirit of the Dickinson garden alive, as we share the house and garden with the community on our public open days.

 

Main tasks:

 

We are looking for volunteers to assist us in clearing and replanting the garden, which will involve a range of tasks including:

• Weeding, pruning and general garden maintenance.
• Assisting with replanting and a chance to be involved with research on a historic garden
• Helping to prepare the garden for open days

 

Skills required:

You don’t need to be an expert but some gardening experience would be useful

• Enthusiasm for helping to care for a local history and heritage interest garden
• Interest in the local area and its history
• A proactive and positive attitude
• You should be physically fit and able to lift, bend and kneel

 

When:

 

The amount of work will vary with the seasons but approximately 2-3 hours per week on a Friday morning.

 

 

Where:

Little Holland House, 40 Beeches Avenue, Carshalton SM5 3LW.

 

 

Benefits to you:

• Opportunities to meet new people and be part of our friendly team
• Sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm to make a difference to our visitors
• Gain a sense of pride and satisfaction from helping restore an important local garden
• Help to preserve and promote local heritage. Support offered: We are fully committed to ensuring that volunteers have a positive experience and are fully supported. You will receive training and induction for this role, and ongoing support from a member of the museum staff.
• Personal wellbeing through physical activity, being outside and connecting with others
  Tea, coffee (or similar) and biscuits / cake

 

Support offered:
We are fully committed to ensuring that volunteers have a positive experience and are fully supported. You will receive training and induction for this role, and ongoing support from a member of the Sutton Cultural Services Heritage team. All tools and equipment will be provided.

 

Availability:

The volunteer garden team currently meet on site at Little Holland House on Friday mornings. This may change in the future or another additional morning may be added. Therefore if you are interested but are not currently able to commit to Fridays, express your interest and we can keep you informed.