Last Thursday I started my intership at Penrhyn Castle. Think my official title is along the lines of Community Involvement Intern :)
I was lucky enough to be offered the role in September this year following an interview for an internship. I was intially scared at the thought of applying for something that would be another big change in my life and a new beginning, as this year has had so many that have all been rollar coaster rides. Also Bangor has alot of bad as well as good memories for me. However, I did not hesitate to say yes when the position was actually offered. I think some inner instinct must have kicked, which I'm glad of! If I had had time to think I porbably wouldn't have jumped in the deep end.
It might sound corny but I have for a long time dreamt about working for the National Trust. I long to have the opportunity to ignite in others the same love that I have for history, and heritage properties; and help preserve them both for future generations and explore the ways in which history can be presented to the general public. It can be daunting to take that leap and chase a dream but its definately worth it when you drive up to a castle, stunningly set against the snowdonian mountains and your heart skips a beat because you can call the place work :)
One of my earliest memories of a heritage property is of Penrhyn Castle
When I was about 8 years old I attended an event at the property during the summer. The event was Alice in Wonderland themed with picnics, life size characters, storytelling, Victorian games and re-enactors.
The day was magical where I seemed to walk through a fairytale and I remember begin so excited that I wanted to stay rather than go home with my parents. I believe this memory stands out in my mind because because I left in awe and wonder of the magnifiance of the castle. This memeory was probably one of the many that contributed to my dream of living in a castle.
I will still have to make do with working in one for now but you never know . . .
Because of my love for history it is hard to believe when people tell me they aren't interested in histroy or that history is boring (Although to be honest I have't found many people who don't have some interest). However it is normally easy to understand as most people have tales of horrible or just plain boring history teachers or have suffered froma World War 1 and 2 overkill in school where the rest of history is neglected or seen as less important.
From my own personal experience I always thoroughly enjoyed school trips and remember what I learnt on them, I couldn't say the same for my classes. I can honestly say visiting Caegwrle Castle during my GCSE coursework was a turning point in my life. I blame those visits for my obsession with castles and medieval queens. I was encouraged to imagine the castle as it was, to rflect on the lives of the workers who built the castle and its royal occupants. I think I entered a dream world there which I find it very hard to escape from :)
Being forced to read a text- book and copy what was written never inspired me like planning my escape from a castle dungeon and managing to scale half way up the wall (I definately would have escaped if they had let me!)
I am very passionate about supporting the education of young people and I strongly believe that more can be learnt outside the classroom than in it. In a classroom history cannot be smelt, felt, heard, lived like it can be when you are actually in an historic location. History needs to be felt and touched.
Ok maybe I have gone of an a tagent, I will get to my point :)
One of the reasons I am so excited about this internship at Penrhyn Castle is that I will have the opportunity to reach out the childrena and young adults and encourage them to become a part of the National Trust, give them a sense of belonging to their local and national history. Penrhyn should not just be a castle but should be their castle.
My role will involve organising events for the local youth population to be involved in. This age group is normally one that I feel is neglected by the heritage sector in favour of children and families. Hopefully I can in some way other them an opportunity to experience history and leave a long lasting impression (preferably a good one).
During just one day with the learning team at Penrhyn I learnt so much. I could see the passion and enthusaism of the staff, I could see the strength of team that worked together with determination and how hard they actually work behind the scenes and also the huge responsiblity that they have.
The castle was full of people that love where they are and what they do and were each valued for their contribution. I left even more inspired to be a part of the national trust and I am extremely excited to go back tomorrow for day 2 :D
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