Theatre by the Lake Celebrates Volunteers During National Volunteer Week
Throughout the week, on social media the theatre shared the stories of volunteers who collectively represent hundreds of years of service, from those who first became involved during the Blue Box era to newer recruits who have joined in recent years.
Volunteers play a vital role across the organisation, welcoming audiences, assisting with events and festivals, supporting customer experience and helping visitors enjoy everything the theatre has to offer.
As part of the celebrations, volunteers gathered at a special Volunteer Celebration Event hosted at Mirehouse & Gardens, whose generous support helped make the occasion possible.
Among those recognised were volunteers celebrating significant milestones, including several who have dedicated five, ten and fifteen years of service to the theatre.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural David Roberts Special Recognition Award, named in memory of volunteer David Roberts, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The award recognises exceptional contribution, dedication and positive impact within the volunteer community.
This year’s recipient was Carol Thompson, who has spent nearly two decades helping to organise volunteer rotas alongside her Front of House duties. Her work coordinating volunteers throughout the theatre’s busy programme has required countless hours of commitment and organisation behind the scenes.
For many of the team, volunteering has provided opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, build confidence and contribute to the local community.
Josephine Peel, awarded this week for her 10 year service as a volunteer, explained why she first signed up: “As a customer of TBTL since the Blue Box (Century Theatre) days, I wanted to put something back into the community, share my skills and experience, meet new people and stay active in retirement. Volunteering certainly stops me being housebound at 80 years old!”
Harry Upton has been volunteering since around 2013, and told the theatre what he enjoys most about volunteering: “I enjoy the interaction with audiences at meet-and-greet and at the end of the evening. Most people appreciate volunteers’ contributions and many tell us so as they leave. It’s rewarding to hear those comments, as well as their thoughts on the production they’ve just seen.”
Jean Stephens, a volunteer since the theatre opened in 1999 said: “If you’d like to meet people, make new friends or be part of something quite special, volunteering at TBTL could be just the thing. It could change your life – it certainly changed mine.”
Mary Elliott, Customer Experience Manager at TBTL, said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of TBTL. They are often the first people our audiences meet and the last people they see as they leave. Their warmth, enthusiasm and dedication help create the welcoming atmosphere that our visitors value so highly. Volunteer Week has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank them for everything they do.”
The theatre is proud to be supported by a volunteer team whose contribution helps enrich the cultural life of Keswick and the wider community.
Photo caption: Volunteers awarded for 10 years of service at the Volunteer Celebration Event. L to R: Josephine Peel, Linda Soden, Ron Soden, Gwyneth Nixon and Mavis Long.