Volunteer Handyman

‘Handyman’ Volunteer

Please note: the terms ‘Handyman’ and ‘Handyman Team’ have been used in order to avoid any implication that members of the team have taken over aspects of Croydon Council’s maintenance responsibilities. Female volunteers are of course equally welcome and we may reconsider the term in future.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Although the David Lean Cinema (together with the rest of the Town Hall and Croydon Clocktower) are the property of Croydon Clocktower, and thus are maintained by the Council, we have Council approval to take responsibility for certain miscellaneous tasks, although more substantial ones will need specific Council approval. This will enable us to undertake certain non-specialised repairs and improvements – that the Council might consider a low priority – much sooner. We can also consider repainting furnishings and areas that the Council would only get round to very infrequently. The result should be a more pleasant environment and a sense of greater efficiency in certain respects. This will help us to convey that the David Lean is a cared for venue, enhancing its appeal to patrons. Most work is likely to be in the cinema auditorium; the lobby area between the inner and outer doors; the Arts Bar; or possibly the projection box.  Enthusiasm will be valued as well as:

  • Familiarity with the use of various tools
  • Carpentry skills
  • Painting skills

Time Commitment

Unlike most of our roles, this will be highly variable as the work is bound to be irregular, and we will try to match the skills of team members to the tasks that arise. Therefore, you might undertake a job that’s very useful to the Campaign, but only takes 30 minutes, and this might be your only involvement in a particular month. Alternatively, a painting project might involve several hours of work in a particular week. The ‘Handyman Team’ could therefore be a good option for people keen to offer skills, but without necessarily wanting to take on regular or more time-consuming responsibilities.

Desirable Qualities 

In addition to having one or more of the skills indicated, a willingness to work as part of a team is needed. Attention to detail is desirable as ongoing approval from the Council will depend on the work being of a reasonable standard. Awareness of safety issues in a public place will also be needed, especially as some tasks may be undertaken at times when members of the public are passing through the Arts Bar. We can expect (e.g.) use of ladders to be very restricted, if allowed at all, so expect some frustrations!

Training

We don’t currently propose formal training other than a meeting at which certain operational guidelines will be mentioned, but there will probably be scope for some team members to pick up skills while assisting whoever oversees a particular task.

How will it work?

We anticipate that a Team Leader (yet to be appointed) will plan work in consultation with the Campaign Director. He/she will notify team members of opportunities when they arise, inviting volunteers. Work involving particular team members will then be scheduled, once approved (if necessary) by the Council.

What to do now?

If you would like to help and/or know more, simply click on “Contact Us” in the website menu and give us some brief details about yourself, including your phone number, stating that you’re interested in joining the ‘Handyman Team’. Please include “Volunteers” in the subject line. We’ll get back to you.