Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel needs you
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR HISTORIC ATTRACTION
THE Victoria Tunnel is one of Newcastle’s unique attractions. The subterranean marvel once ran two miles from the north of Newcastle, under the city streets, down to where the Ouseburn enters the River Tyne.
Its history stretches back to 1842 when it opened as an underground waggon way, taking coal from the longgone Spital Tongues Colliery to waiting colliers on the Tyne.
More recently, in the middle of the last century, it was used as an air raid shelter during World War II.
Today, a stretch of the tunnel is open to the public, and regular guided tours are available every week.
Which is where you come in. There are now opportunities for people to become volunteer guide there.
The enormous popularity of Victoria Tunnel guided tours has seen the annual number of visitors rise from around 2,000 in 2011 to an expected 14,000 this year.
To cope with that spike in demand, they are keen to recruit more guides.
Clive Goodwin, Victoria Tunnel co-ordinator, said: “What we are looking for are people who enjoy history and especially the heritage of Newcastle and are keen to show visitors what TripAdvisor says is the ‘number one of things to do in Newcastle’.
“Full training is given and volunteers are given time to build up confidence before having to present a tour to the public.
“As well as having an average of 60 guided tours each month, there are lots of different events where guides have an opportunity to take part.
“This month we have already had special tours featuring musicians, comedians, school visits, paranormal investigations to name just a few.”
Looking forward, there are a whole host of events planned for throughout 2018.
So, why be a volunteer? Some of the current guides explained why they enjoy their roles so much.
Jeff Taylor said: “I enjoy the challenge of guiding members of the public through the Victoria Tunnel. It’s a unique opportunity each time to meet people who share their own experiences and stories of the past.”
Joanne Harrison added: “The training process was easy. I shadowed two experienced guides and they showed me the ropes, listening to the tours and seeing how the practical stuff worked. Training is at your own pace and you never feel pressured to do more than you feel comfortable with.” Peter Jackson said: “The Victoria Tunnel guiding experience gave me the confidence to broaden my guiding experience further to become a Newcastle City Guide.” Meanwhile Ian McArdle told us: “We welcome young and old visitors from all parts of Great Britain and from many countries around the world - Holland, Germany, Spain and
Becoming a tour guide at the tunnel has improved my life more than I could ever describe in just a few words
Kelly Thompson
China, to mention but a few.
Lynne and Terry Mountford said: “As we are both very keen on learning about different periods of history, it has been a privilege to join the volunteer team at the Victoria Tunnel. It is always fun, and our visitors love what is on offer.”
Gerard Shephard added: “Guiding is so fulfilling. On school visits we meet hundreds of enthusiastic pupils, and on public tours we meet locals and visitors to our city who are in awe at what lies beneath their feet and love what they find. I also enjoy working with colleagues who have become friends.”
Pete Harrison said: “In the short time I’ve been a guide it has brought me great satisfaction and joy to take visitors on tours where I help to bring its history to life.”
And finally Kelly Thompson told us: “Becoming a tour guide has improved my life more than I could ever describe in a few words. From the friends I have made, the confidence gained, and the fantastic opportunities granted, the Victoria Tunnel is by far my favourite place in the ‘multiverse’.”
■■If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel, contact Clive.goodwin@ouseburntrust.org.uk or call 0191 2304210 during office hours. ■■For more information on the Victoria Tunnel, visit www.ouseburntrust.org. uk