'Crack team' of volunteers tot up 100,000 hours

An outdoor volunteer group from Shropshire and Staffordshire are celebrating a milestone.

Since forming in 1980, the Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers (SSNTV) have completed 100,000 hours of service for the organisation.

Armed with hand tools, the group of 60 volunteers visit National Trust places across the two counties to carry out all sorts of conservation tasks, from hedge planting to fence repair.

Nick Swankie, head gardener at Benthall Hall in Broseley described them as "a roving army of crack commandos, with their saws and bonfires".

Founder member Christopher Brown said: "The work the group has done is the equivalent to about 4,500 days of labour, worth over £1.14m at today’s minimum wage rate.

"When the group started they were all in their twenties - as you can see we're a bit older than that now and the work rate isn't quite as prolific."

The volunteer group was formed at Wightwick Manor, near Wolverhampton, 44 years ago.

A number of close relationships have been formed within the group.

Christopher Brown met his wife Chris while volunteering at Carding Mill Valley in Church Stretton in 1992.

"We love the fun, friendship and cake eating, the work is a side issue," he said.

Newest member Sarah Page, from Cannock, said she joined because she wanted to work outside as a change from her office job, to give back, to learn and to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at the National Trust.

The group, which is always looking for volunteers, regularly visit Shugborough Estate, Attingham Park, Dudmaston Estate, Benthall Hall, Kinver Edge, Wightwick Manor and Moseley Old Hall.

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