Hello, my name is Wendy and I’ve been volunteering at the Archive since 2019. If someone asked me to describe in one word how I feel about being a volunteer, I would say without hesitation – proud. Proud of being part of a team who are dedicated to preserving the history of St Ives through it’s incredible collection of documents, books, maps, photos and audio material, all of which need constantly managing and conserving. The Archive relies entirely on volunteers and because of the variety of its collection there is always some area of personal interest for volunteers to choose to work on when they first start. It can be daunting to become a new member of a group but I was given a very warm welcome by all the team. As a registered charity, fund raising plays an important role and attending St Ives Farmers Market and other local events, getting out and meeting the public, selling our publications and photo cards is something that I always enjoy. I’ve been a steward at Archive events during The September Festival in venues such as the Porthmeor Studios and The Arts Club and accompanied Archive History walks around St Ives during the summer months. My work at the Archive is primarily working on an audit of the original material we keep in Archival Quality cardboard storage boxes. This involves cleaning and caring for the contents as well as making sure the list of it’s contents is complete and is recorded accurately on our Catalogue system. It is fascinating to open a box and find unique items, whether it be a manuscript, a house deed or an old account book from a long gone shop in St Ives. I also enjoy creating visual displays for events and requests from organisations. The work is always varied and interesting and we help each other as best we can because we are a Team and have commitment to the Archive and to each other.