Volunteers needed for Portland D Day history centre
The interactive museum is looking for history buffs to get involved
Last updated 27th Mar 2021
Can you spare a day a week to get involved with Portland's Second World War History Centre?
Castletown's D Day Museum is looking for volunteers of all walks of life to get involved.
The Royal Navy dockyard, where the museum is situated, brings that part of history to life as it tells the story of the brave men that embarked for Omaha Beach on June 6th 1944.
Anyone who is enthusiastic or interested in World War II is invited to apply.
Current volunteers are of all ages from teenagers to 80 years old plus, some of who, can actually remember what happened in the war.
Owner of the D Day Museum, Derek Luckhurst, says the volunteers have lots of fun.
"It's not like you're volunteering for unpaid work, its interactive and that's the theme of the museum.
"There are very few museums where you can sit inside the vehicles or pick up the artefacts.
As a CIC the Centre survives by relying on volunteers and any of the money that comes from entrance fees goes to the full-time manager and the maintenance of the vehicles and equipment.
Due to Covid the only full season the Museum's had was in 2019 as it only opened in 2018.
"We didn't have the benefit of a full season, the only proper season was in 2019 and we were really enthused by the number of visitors we had. That year we got a gold star on TripAdvisor as we were voted the best destination.
"Covid knocked us backed considerably last year but when we reopen, we are anticipating a very busy season and it will only be our second full season.
"Last year we had over 20,000 visitors and as the D Day centre becomes more and more established we will need more volunteers to help with the museum."
The museum will be opening on May 17th, in line with Government guidelines.
If you fancy becoming a volunteer for Castletown's D Day Museum contact the centre here.