Home

Are you interested in Sheffield ’s Industrial Heritage?

Would you like to be a Volunteer Guide at Shepherd Wheel?

Shepherd Wheel is a water-powered grinding workshop in the Porter Valley, and dates back to the 1500s. The site, waterwheel and buildings have recently gone through an extensive refurbishment managed by Sheffield City Council and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The site will be open to the public at weekends and to education groups in the week to explore the site, its history and to see the waterwheel in operation.

Shepherd Wheel is an important survivor that illustrates an important aspect of Sheffield ’s industrial heritage.

Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust (SIMT) is responsible for providing public access, operating the waterwheel and delivering the learning sessions at the site.

Volunteers are needed at Shepherd Wheel to help on weekends and Bank Holidays to talk to visitors about Shepherd Wheel, to help them understand the site, its history and what it was like to work there.

Shepherd Wheel is in Whiteley Woods, Off Hangingwater Road, Sheffield, S11 2YE

What is involved in being a volunteer?

• Talking to visitors about the site, the location and Sheffield ’s industrial history.
• Working with a member of SIMT staff to keep visitors safe
• Working with a member of SIMT staff to keep the site tidy

 What support to you get?

• A volunteer coordinator at Friends of the Porter Valley
• An information pack and guidance from the SIMT Learning team
• A member of SIMT Technical staff on site to operate the water wheel

   What skills or qualifications do I need?

You do not need any specific qualifications, but if you have some interest or experience of the following, that would be helpful:

• An interest in Sheffield ’s industrial past and the local area, although you do not need to be an expert.
• Previous experience of public speaking or working with groups
• Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and understanding
• An understanding of, and a respect for, the work at this unique heritage site.

Where and when?

Your help will be needed at weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays at Shepherd Wheel. A commitment to providing a few hours a month is all that is asked for.

How do I apply?

Please fill out the Shepherd Wheel Volunteer application from (click here) and send it back to the volunteer coordinator: Maggie Marsh, 29 Whiteley Wood Road, S11 7FF or email it to maggiexpmail@gmail.com

What happens next?

• Once you have sent in your application form, the Volunteer Coordinator at Friends of the Porter Valley will contact you and arrange a time to meet you.
• You will get the opportunity to shadow some of the more experienced volunteers at Shepherd Wheel.
• When you feel confident enough to guide independently, you can arrange a convenient time to add yourself to the rota of volunteers.

Benefits

You will meet new people, learn new skills and be part of promoting and safeguarding Sheffield ’s Industrial Heritage.