VOLUNTEERS are needed to help keep Christchurch’s central museum afloat after various cuts in funding have led to reduced staffing levels.

Paul Willis, manager of the Red House Museum and Christine Payne, chairman of the Friends of the Red House Museum, are urging local residents to join in to ensure the future of the museum.

They are holding a volunteer recruitment day on March 17 where people can find out more about the work of the museum and meet the people that currently work there.

Due to cuts and reorganisation to the museum’s funding, people are needed to act as welcome hosts with keen green-fingered residents needed to help keep the museum’s gardens well-tended.

Around 10-15 welcome hosts, who will also look after the shop and small cafe area at different times throughout the week are required as well as 16-20 garden volunteers.

All volunteers will receive full training to start in early May.

Paul said: “Unfortunately we have lost a few staff but we believe the Red House can still be a vibrant, thriving museum with the aid and support of local people.

“Of course, no-one is immune to situations like this at the moment but we want to place a great team of people, who make this a vibrant and exciting place to visit.

“We’ve been really busy over half term, activities and other events have proved popular.”

He added: “Volunteers keep our community alive. We have lots of great support from the friends and CADArts and Christchurch Local History Society, CODA.

“At the moment we’re just trying to keep the momentum going and keeping the public aware that we are in need of volunteers.”

Christine Payne added: “We at the Friends are very supportive and there is a confidence around the Red House Museum that this will continue to be a valuable local resource.

“People really can make a difference here.”

For more details on the Red House Museum go to www.hants.gov.uk/redhouse