A GROUP of would-be volunteers flocked to Witney to find out more about working at a historic manor house.

Dozens of people from across the county learned about volunteering opportunities available at Witney’s Cogges Manor Farm on Saturday.

Prospective helpers of all ages were given hands-on guidance for a number of activities as they learned what it takes to join the award-winning fleet of Cogges volunteers.

Longstanding helper Isabel Johnstone explained why the manor farm is such a brilliant environment for volunteers.

She said:“I’ve been volunteering at Cogges since the day it reopened its doors to the public in 2011 and I love it.

“I get so much more out of volunteering than I give. I’ve met some lovely people, and made a lot of friends.

“There’s never a dull moment and I always look forward to spending time there. It’s like a little piece of heaven on earth.”

The volunteer open day was held at Cogges, in Church Lane, on Saturday.

Visitors had the chance to learn about a wide variety of skills that will come in handy at the farm, including gardening, craft, baking, DIY, animal care, administration, retail, marketing, teaching and more.

Cogges has more than190 volunteers who donate their time to keep the heritage farmstead open to the public.

Volunteers contribute more than13,600 hours a year, and can be found in all aspects of the charity’s work.

The minimum age for volunteers is 14.

Operations manager at Cogges, Laura Dean, said she is consistently stunned by the number people who want to lend a helping hand.

She said: “We hold this event every year but I’m always amazed by the attendance.

“You always wonder whether people will show up but even this year, despite awful weather, we had about 50 people show up this year.

“Half of those who came on the day have already been in touch to move their application on so we’re really pleased with the results of the day.

“Those who came were enthusiastic – I think you have to be to come out in weather like we had on Saturday – and we had a few who had just moved to Witney.

“Cogges has always been a fantastic place to meet new people.”

In recognition of the work and dedication given by volunteers, Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action awarded it ‘Best Team of Volunteers’ in 2016.

Cogges Manor Farm, a 13th century manor house coupled with 17th century buildings, is steeped in rich history.

The farm appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the estate’s first owner was Wadard, who appears as a Norman knight riding a horse on the Bayeux Tapestry.

Cogges Manor was once held by kings of England including Henry VII and Henry VIII. The latter gave the land to Thomas Pope, the founder of Trinity College, Oxford.

Wealthy wool merchant William Blake owned Cogges in the 17th century and became High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. He was linked to the Witney wool trade and funded the Buttercross in Witney and neighbouring Blake School.

For more information see cogges.org.uk.