In the second of our volunteer profiles we meet Visitor Experience volunteer June Ford Crush.  

‘I’d been a Camellia Show volunteer for many years, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the visitors and showing them our lovely collection. Seeing the flowers through a visitor’s eyes was always a good experience and confirmed how special the plants are. 

When the opportunity came up to be part of the new Visitor Experience in Chiswick House I immediately joined up. Having known the House for many years, seeing it afresh confirmed what a magical place it is. 

“I’ve enjoyed chatting to the visitors who come from far and wide. Many are actually local and have never been inside before, or were even aware of its existence!” 

I’ve been reading up on the history, and I try to learn something new each week to add to my knowledge. Today I was learning more about Sebastiano Ricci and his paintings. 

I’ve been referring to Gillian Clegg’s very informative book Chiswick House and Gardens – A History – written in 2011.  She was a co-compiler of the archive for the Trust and I have a signed copy. 

Funnily enough, when I took my break, I found myself sitting on her bench!’

Follow June on Twitter @junefordcrush and on Instagram @junefordcrush 

Find out more about volunteering with us here.