Cider-making a pressing concern for volunteers

Making fresh cider or restoring centuries-old furniture and art are among the exciting work available to volunteers for the year ahead at Fota House.

Some of last year’s volunteers at the Regency home near Cobh, undergoing continuous restoration by the Irish Heritage Trust, rolled up their sleeves to make their own cider.

Among them was Daire Cleary who joined the team on the Job Bridge work placement scheme, as a gardener.

“Everyone got stuck in, picking and pressing apples from our orchard in the walled garden,” said Daire.

With expert advice from Stonewall Irish Craft Cider in Nohoval, more than 200 bottles of Fota cider and apple juice were produced.

But if the outdoor life is not for you, Fota House offers opportunities for those interested in other aspects of the country house, including a chance to work with one of the finest collections of Irish art.

“People can get involved in roles such as tour guiding in the house and gardens, education assistants, administrative and secretarial assistants, conservation and collections assistants, furniture restoration, gardening, visitor services and event assistants,” said property manager Debbie Walsh.

The Irish Heritage Trust will arrange full support and training for anybody interested in coming on board before Fota House re-opens on Apr 1.

The main project of restoring and conserving the house, its arboretum and gardens, has seen over €2.5m invested to date.

Fota House was home to the Smith-Barry family for a century and a half, and came into public ownership in the 1970s. The trust took over Fota House over five years ago and has raised more than €4.5m to help return it to its former glory.

One successful venture has been a series of resources for visiting schools, feeding insights on life in “the Big House” into a range of subjects such as art, history, and English.

An eight-week University College Cork course will run from the end of January at Fota House for anyone interested in a more detailed history of the Irish Big House.

* For more information on volunteering: call 021 481 5543, email [e-mail] or visit www.fotahouse.com

* Course details are available from UCC’s centre for adult continuing education: 021 490 2301.