We are looking for volunteers to help at the centenary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013, who are willing to share their passion for plants to visitors from all around the world.
Why do you need me?
What you might not know is that RHS Chelsea Flower Show is organised by the RHS, who are the world’s leading gardening charity. Our goal is to help people share a passion for plants, to encourage excellence in horticulture and inspire all those with an interest in gardening.
We are looking for volunteers to help at the centenary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013, who are willing to share their passion for plants to visitors from all around the world.
Why do you need me?
What you might not know is that RHS Chelsea Flower Show is organised by the RHS, who are the world’s leading gardening charity. Our goal is to help people share a passion for plants, to encourage excellence in horticulture and inspire all those with an interest in gardening.
As a volunteer you will be there to be an ambassador for the Show and charity and to improve our visitors’ experience.
So long as you are an effective communicator, approachable, physically fit and enthusiastic, you can contribute to this exciting cenetary show. Specifically you will assist our visitors by providing support, directions and information so they have the best possible experience at the show.
In addition we ask you to promote the charitable work of the Society and encourage visitors to donate generously for our Campaign for School Gardening and providing pin badges to recognise their support.
What are the benefits?
- Enjoy the RHS Chelsea Flower Show before or after your allocated shift
- Be a part of the historic Chelsea Centenary
- Receive a copy of the Chelsea 2013 official Show Guide, and you’ll have your exclusive Chelsea t-shirt uniform as a souvenir
- Develop your communications, customer service and organisational skills
- Gain events experience
- Meet like-minded people and be part of a fun, enthusiastic team
- Explore opportunities to become more involved in other volunteering and areas of the Society’s work
- Make a difference to the British horticultural industry
More useful FAQs
How much time should I offer?
We will be asking volunteers to cover at least 3 shifts throughout the week, as well as a training session beforehand.
Is there an induction and training?
You will be required to attend a training session on either Friday 17 May or Saturday 18 May at Chelsea for 2 hours, and will cover:
- An information pack with further role details
- A briefing on the relevant show information
- A briefing on the RHS and its charitable work as well as the Centenary Appeal
- Orientation of the show ground and facilities
- Health and Safety at the show
What support will there be?
You will have a dedicated RHS manager, and there will be a fully manned site office for Volunteers just outside the Show, but within the Royal Hospital, where you can leave your coat/bag securely, change into your uniform, and where you will be able to sign in and out each day, and collect your passes and expenses, and get updates about the success of the volunteer team.
What will I be doing?
There are three roles you can apply for:
- Show Makers
You will be meeting and greeting visitors at the entrance, welcoming them and creating a buzz on arrival, and letting them know about show highlights, or provide them with information if they are queuing to get into the Show. You will also be briefed so you can talk about some of our charitable work, or promote the Centenary Appeal where we are raising funds to support our work. If you are working on the afternoon shift, you may be allocated to one of our exits so you can chat to our visitors as they leave the show.
- Centenary Appeal badge sellers
You will be walking around the showground carrying a ‘cigar tray’ of badges (supported by a ribbon around your neck and shoulders) with a collection tin for donations, and you will be promoting our Campaign for School Gardening and encouraging our visitors to give generously. You may also be asked for directions and details about the show, and you will be provided with this at the induction training.
- Plant Hunters
If you have excellent plant knowledge, you may prefer to help our visitors find the plants and nurseries they are interested in within the Great Pavilion. You will be able to provide guidance and advice on plants and act as a ‘personal shopper’ to help them select what is right for their garden. You may also be asked for directions and information about the show, or our Centenary Appeal and we will provide this information at the training.
What times do you need me?
The Show is open to visitors:
8am-8pm Tuesday 21-Friday 24 May 2013
8am-5.30pm Saturday 25 May 2013
Each day will be divided into two shifts for volunteers – a morning (7.30am – 2pm) and afternoon shift (1.30pm – 8pm) and you will be required for a maximum of one shift per day, with a break in between.
Where will I be based?
You will be carrying out your role and completing your training at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4SR
Will I need my own transport?
You will need to be able to independently get to and from the showground. There is no provision for car parking but cycle parking is available. The closest tube station is Sloane Square which is 5 minutes walk away.
Will my expenses be paid?
We will provide you with a lunch voucher to use within the showground on show days and will provide refreshments during training.
Travel expenses will be reimbursed on each day up to a total of £15 per day that you are working at the show or training on production of a receipt.
What should I wear?
We would like to you to wear black trousers or skirts and comfortable shoes. A t-shirt in your size will be provided for you to wear (which you can keep), and you can pin your Team London badge on. If the weather is chilly, please wear long sleeved black tops or jumpers under the t-shirt, and if it is raining, we will provide you with a clear plastic hooded poncho.
What happens next?
Please complete the online application by 19 April. We will select volunteers based on your availability for the training and a commitment to a minimum of three shifts at the show, after that it will be on a first come, first served basis.
We will contact you to let you know whether you have been successful by 26 April, and if so, to arrange training and shifts.
Thank you for your interest, and if you have any queries at all, please contact us at showmakers@rhs.org.uk.
Source: RHS
