RETIRED banker Jim Adams is so fascinated by mysterious Woodchester Mansion that he’s just starting his fourth season as one of its volunteers.

Pitchcombe resident Jim, who is also a running coach at the Stroud Athletic Club, had been hooked by the secretive listed building, snuggled deep in the Woodchester Valley, since he visited it once back in the 1980s.

So when he gave up work Jim looked for something the opposite of sitting in front of a computer.

“I wanted to get out and do things offering interest and inspiration” he said.

“I was fascinated by the mysterious mansion in its secret valley. It is an amazing place. A Victorian building frozen in time.”

Now he tackles anything and everything as a volunteer at the Mansion from selling tickets, through making teas and cutting cake, to tour guide and even mini bus driver.

“It is a really full day at a very special place, and a lovely group of people to work with,” he added.

Recent recruitment sessions in Nailsworth found four new people keen to train as Mansion volunteers.

So if you’d maybe like to join them, Jim, and the existing helpers, find out more at www.woodchestermansion.org.uk

Or simply get in touch via 01453 861541 or info@woodchestermansion.org.uk

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