Heritage Volunteers ....Conserving and preserving our heritage...

The principal aim of Arts Society Heritage Volunteers is to aid the preservation of our national artistic heritage for the benefit of the public. The volunteers give their time freely, providing an invaluable resource in the core areas of collection care, knowledge and access for museums, galleries and historic houses. The volunteers are valued and enjoy the benefits of unique learning opportunities through regular training, professional supervision and guidance.

The Group of Heritage Volunteers are now Back at Work   

Since 2022 our Heritage Volunteers have been working at Picton Castle recording, cleaning and repairing where possible the books in the beautiful octagonal Library. The collection of 17th and 18th century books are a significant part of our Pembrokeshire heritage.

Throughout the past year our team of Arts Society volunteers have continued to work on the books found in the Muniments Room. This room, adjacent to the library, contains a further collection of books, maps and papers which have been boxed and kept instore whilst repairs to the room are undertaken. We have yet to investigate the safe where there are more scrolls and other dusty items … there may be some interesting finds hidden away there. 

So far, we have worked on over 2000 books and expect to continue into the new year … nearly finished!

The recording and photographing of the Victorian and Edwardian Toys and Games collection donated by the Stimson family was completed this summer by Megan and Patricia. These are now displayed in a new exhibition in the Castle and is well worth a visit.

A few of us continue to help in the second-hand book shop at the Castle. We sort and shelve books donated to the shop and understand that the enterprise makes a welcome contribution to funds which are allocated to the maintenance of the library collection. Other volunteers act as room stewards and volunteer in the garden.

There is still plenty of work to keep us busy and I would like to thank our splendid team of volunteers who continue to give their time and enthusiasm to this project.

Ann Maria Thomas 

September 2025

Left to Right: Susanna Morgan, David Morgan, Cathy Arthur, Ann Maria Thomas, Rosemary Llewellyn, Megan Clothier, Patricia Hellings.