What is the project?

Tales of Temple Newsam is a project to collect people's living memories of Temple Newsam. The interviews we are recording will be used to help us include more diverse voices in our interpretation of the house. Once edited and transcribed oral histories will be made available for visitors to hear in the house on the exhibit iPads and available digitally on the dedicated project page on Leeds Museums & Galleries website. There are lots of stories to tell – from first love and weddings to truancy and attempted break-ins! 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us transcribe, edit and document the interviews we have been recording of local people.

What’s in it for you?

Gain experience of audio editing

Build digital literacy and technical skills

Learn more about Temple Newsam and it’s history

Understand how museums select and use community voices in their interpretation

Be part of a friendly team of volunteers and experienced staff 

Training will be given in all aspects of the role 

What’s involved?

Transcribing audio recordings

Help edit recorded interviews using Audacity

Attending relevant training and inductions

Be willing to travel to Temple Newsam as this role is based on site

The role will suit you if you are enthusiastic, reliable and trustworthy with good written communication and IT skills. You will handle information sensitively and with good attention to detail. Ideally you will have an interest in the history of Temple Newsam and be keen to learn and gain experience. All volunteers should be willing to abide by the Council’s code of conduct.  No qualifications are required as training will be given. 

We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds. If you are shortlisted, please tell us if you require any adjustments to be made to enable you to attend. Access at Temple Newsam | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

You will need to have your own transport or be able to travel to Temple Newsam, which has no direct links to public transport. The closest bus stop is either Whitkirk St Mary’s or Halton Lidl

Location:  Temple Newsam House, Temple Newsam Rd, LS15 0AE

Time commitment: one day a week

Day: Wednesdays

Duration: 6 months with the possibility of extension

Expenses: Out of pocket travel costs between home and your volunteering place will be paid up to the value of £9.00 per day.

Approximately how many volunteers are we looking for? 1-2 people 

Further info: For further information contact Rathi Tamilselvan, Assistant Community Curator Rathinambal.Tamilselvan@leeds.gov.uk

Closing date: Applications must be received by 27^th July. Informal interviews will take place on Wednesday 12^th August 2026 at Temple Newsam

If you are interested, please fill in an online application MyImpactPage - Leeds Museums & Galleries     More details on Leeds Museums and Galleries website About Us- Get Involved.  For help filling in this form, please call 0113 3367840 and ask for the Volunteer and Skills Development Coordinator.

If you already volunteer for us, please update your record or send an email to: volunteer@leeds.gov.uk stating what you hope to gain from the opportunity and tell us about any experience you have. 

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