It’s not easy giving up your spare time to volunteer with an organisation, but when the position involves enjoying home-made scones, jam, cream and a bottomless cup of tea how can you refuse?
For over ten years, historic Burnett House has been throwing open its doors and utilising their well-maintained lawns on a Sunday afternoon, so hungry hoards can gather amongst the palms and sea breeze to dine on an assortment of home-made cakes, scones and hot beverages.
As one of four homes within the Myilly Point Heritage Precinct, Burnett House is one of Darwin’s best examples of tropical architecture, with its pitched roof, lowered internal walls and the use of louvres to create cross ventilation. Bombed during World War II and damaged by Cyclone Tracy it has regained its old tropical elegance thanks to the National Trust.
The National Trust are currently looking for helpers to assist in serving tea from three until five on a Sunday afternoon.
Anna Reynolds is the Helper Co-Ordinator for the afternoons, and explains the perks of volunteering.
"It’s a bit of a social event", she says, "Usually you make new friends amongst the helpers, and volunteers also get to take home any left-over scones and cakes", she laughs.
While the average age of those serving is around sixty, Anna is more than happy to see younger folk give their time. "Some people come with their daughters", she explains, "and the duties for volunteers include waitressing, washing up, drying dishes, food presentation".
For those interested, there’s also the chance you’ll discover Anna’s secret recipe for her tried and true scones. "I must have made thousands of scones over the years", she laughs. "It is a secret recipe, but if people come and ask we give them the recipe".
For more info on how to volunteer at Burnett House, Anna advises heading along to an Afternoon Tea where sign-up sheets are available.
