Volunteering Story of the Month - Max and Helen
I first came across Chickenshed shortly after I moved to New Barnet in 1986. Someone persuaded me to watch a Chickenshed performance in All Saints Church, Whetstone and was deeply impressed by the work of a group of young people, many with significant additional needs, who attained remarkable achievements on the stage that evening. My mother and I became supporters.
Soon after I married Helen. The theatre in Cockfosters was built and we brought our two young children to Story World which became Tales from the Shed. The children grew to love it and both joined the Children's Theatre at five years old. Helen began to volunteer to help with mailings and chaperoning. At that point, the car park was still a poorly lit mud track and I helped people safely park and make their way into the theatre for evening productions.
Our children, David and Laura, grew up with Chickenshed and learnt so much through the inclusive sessions they attended and the many and varied shows they performed in. After they both left at 18 years old to pursue further education away from home, we found that we had more time available to volunteer Front of House and could "give back" to support Chickenshed's inspiring educational work with young people and adults.
After having both retired from teaching, we trained to be Duty Managers and joined the Community Choir when it began. We helped with awareness and fundraising events, ran visits to other theatre productions and Friendship Matinee concerts at the Royal Albert Hall for volunteers.
In 2018, we became stage performers too, in an intergenerational project called The Space Between Us. We both deeply appreciate the friendship and sense of community among the many volunteers, students and staff that make Chickenshed Theatre the very special and inclusive place that it is today.
Published: 8th July, 2019
Updated: 9th August, 2019
Author: Alesha Bhakoo
Volunteering Story of the Month - Murat Shevket
From student, then staff member to volunteer - read Murat's story.
Volunteering Story of the Month - Matthew Patenall
Watch front of house volunteer, Matthew, tell us what Chickenshed means to him.
Volunteering Story of the Month - Lloyd Cunningham
Read Lloyds story about becoming a volunteer for Chickenshed.
Volunteering Story of the Month - Wendy Sharer
Wendy has been involved with Chickenshed for almost 30 years. From painting to performing, Wendy has lended her skills in many area's over the years.
Volunteer Story of the Month - Nadia Conway
Nadia's support for Chickenshed spans decades, including her time as Mayor of Enfield in the 1990s.
Volunteering Story of the Month - Ruth and Shah
Ruth and Shah have been involved in Chickenshed for 25 years, since their daughter Monica joined at 9 years old. They continue to support and fundraise across many roles.
Volunteers Summer Celebration 2019!
On Thursday 1 August we held our Volunteers Summer Celebration. Our volunteers are integral to our organisation and provide us with vital support. Each and every one of them brings a special skill set and unique personality; without them we simply could not do what we do.
Volunteering Story of the Month - Anna Landi
Anna has been volunteering for Chickenshed Kensington & Chelsea since 2012. Anna says that her experience with Chickenshed has helped her grow as not only an arts practitioner but as a person.
Volunteer Story of the Month - Keri Jenkins
Keri has been volunteering for Chickenshed Kensington & Chelsea for over seven years. She finds that volunteering for Chickenshed is a fantastic way to give back to her local community and that more than this, it is a celebration of the local community.
Volunteers Summer Celebration – July 2018