Meet our team: Joanna Weaver, Volunteer

In this blog series we look forward to introducing our team here at the CCT. We hope you will enjoy learning more about the scope and variety of the work that we do. 

Joanna Weaver has recently joined us as a volunteer alongside studying a Masters in Historic Conservation. As part of her role she will be helping to produce audioguides and walking routes.

What inspired you to start volunteering with the CCT?

I am studying for a Masters in Historic Conservation and wanted some work experience to supplement my studying. I came across a volunteer role with CCT and thought it would be a great way to gain more experience and learn more about our historic churches, whilst also being something I could do alongside my studies. I am passionate about conserving historic buildings and hope that my volunteering at the CCT will help towards conserving our historic churches for present and future generations. Initially I hoped I’d meet lots of  like-minded people but obviously with all the covid restrictions this has not been possible yet, but I am looking forward to this in the future.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your volunteering?

In my spare time I enjoy baking and going on long country walks. From a young age I have enjoyed attending dance classes in ballet, tap and modern and more recently competing in university competitions as part of the tap team. I also enjoy visiting historic places of interest including National Trust properties, and historic towns and villages, and of course churches and cathedrals.

How are you finding volunteering with the CCT so far? Has anything surprised you?

I am enjoying volunteering for the CCT and am looking forward to helping produce audio guides, which I hope will be appreciated at this current time. Having visited a number of local CCT churches, I’ve noticed many are obviously well cared for with a dedicated team of volunteers, but some need a little bit more attention and support. I am looking forward to becoming more involved with these.

What's been your favourite thing about volunteering so far?

My favourite thing so far has been discovering new churches and exploring the countryside around them. I’ve enjoyed writing up my walks for the Borbach Chantry in West Dean and St Nicholas’ Church in Fisherton de la Mere. I hope others will enjoy them as much as I do and that they may inspire people to visit new churches and have a longer outing.