VIVIENNE KNAGGS, Ryedale’s champion for older people, continues our series of special reports celebrating the immense contribution to society made by the older generation

IT’S a well-kept secret that a hidden army of workers is out there and few people realise it. Yet never a week goes by without this great contingent turning out to perform unpaid tasks of enormous value to the community. Without them, our taxes could be considerably higher and we would find it difficult to maintain many services.

I refer, of course, to the hundreds of volunteers, most of whom are retired people. In this Jubilee year it will be business as usual for them, but I hope they will go about with an added spring in their step as they recognise that, like the Queen herself, they are celebrating 60 years of active dedicated work.

One of the organisations they support which help so many people locally is Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton-le-Hole. This unique museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year, adding significant revenues to the tourist industry in Ryedale. The handful of paid staff is aided by more than 100 active volunteers who perform a variety of tasks.

Some work in reception, issuing tickets and serving visitors to the shop. Others use their skills in the workshops giving practical help with restoration and the maintenance of exhibits. A number are involved in the educational aspects of the museum, explaining to visitors how things worked in former times and answering their questions. They make the exhibits come alive, especially for the many children who visit.

Then there is service in the café which brings in additional revenue. People with particular expertise give craft demonstrations and contribute to special exhibitions.

Helen Dean, volunteer co-ordinator and organiser, said the museum simply could not function without their help.

She said: “With the addition of the Harrison Collection we need even more volunteers to help with archiving and presenting the exhibits.”

Helen also told me that they provide training for new recruits so nobody need feel daunted. All participants are greatly valued. And there is a great feeling of camaraderie and an opportunity to make new friends. Once or twice a year, all the volunteers have a get-together to celebrate jobs well done. I hope they will enjoy a special Jubilee event together!

Without doubt, the community at large should salute these people, who give their time so generously to help one of Ryedale’s flagship tourist destinations.

• Can you help? On April 16 the folk museum is holding a recruitment day. To find out more phone 01751 417367.