We are not looking for many. We are looking for a few, willing to come back.
Volunteering at the Louisa Cottages is small, repetitive work. A fortnight is the smallest unit of time we measure in — we are not really set up for one-off help. If you can give us an hour or two every other week, for a year or more, we will be very glad to meet you.
Five small roles
What we are asking for, in detail.
Role one
Garden Companion
Two hours a fortnight
Commitment: Two hours a fortnight, March through October.
Location: The walled back garden behind the south range, Akeman Street, Tring.
Team lead: Marian Whitcombe (Clerk to the trustees).
Light pruning, dead-heading, weeding of the raised beds, and a cup of tea with whichever resident is sat in the sun. We provide the tools and a pair of gloves. Bring sturdy boots and a patience for repeating the same conversation about the pear tree.
Role two
Repair Steward
As needed
Commitment: Approximately three hours a month, by arrangement.
Location: Across the six cottages, Akeman Street.
Team lead: Marian Whitcombe (Clerk to the trustees).
For those with practical trades or steady DIY confidence. Helping our clerk schedule and supervise the small repairs that need three hours and a steady hand — not a full contractor visit. Sash-cord replacement, hinge tightening, draught-strip refitting, the occasional grab-rail.
Role three
Letter Friend (Sunday Doors)
Every other Sunday
Commitment: A half-hour visit on a Sunday afternoon, every other week, for at least a year.
Location: A specific resident’s cottage, Akeman Street.
Team lead: The Reverend Henry Linton (Parish of St Peter & St Paul, Tring).
Our most important hour of the week. We pair gently, after a conversation with the resident and a DBS check arranged through the parish. The fortnight rhythm is firm; the half-hour is approximate.
Role four
Open Garden Steward
One Saturday a year
Commitment: A single Saturday in late June, with a planning meeting in May.
Location: The walled garden, Akeman Street.
Team lead: Marian Whitcombe.
Welcoming visitors at the back gate, watching the donations box, refilling teapots in the common room. A good first role for someone who would like to get a feel for the cottages before committing to a longer rhythm.
Role five
Library Cataloguer
An hour a month
Commitment: An hour a month, alongside Margaret.
Location: The common room, behind the south range.
Team lead: Margaret (resident, cottage two).
Helping Margaret keep the green-bound catalogue up to date as books come in and out. A patient hand with pencil and rubber. Ideal for someone who likes books, and quiet hours.
Apply
Tell us a little about you.
There is no application form to speak of, just a few quiet questions. We will write back within five working days from the cottages.
If you would rather write a letter, our address is at the foot of every page on the site. The clerk reads the post on a Tuesday.
Or give
If you cannot give an hour, you can give £15 to the Roof Fund.
We use a small number of analytics cookies to understand how visitors use the site. No marketing cookies, no third-party tracking, and you can read the detail on our cookie policy.
