Volunteer Stewards

Volunteer Stewards

Posted for The Royal Ordnance Depot

Posted by Community Action Northants

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The Royal Ordnance Depot in Weedon Bec, has a long history.  Shortly after the Grand Junction Canal (now the Grand Union) was routed through Weedon in 1793, surveys began to find a location to safely store ordnance in a central location. Europe was in turmoil and Napoleon was making threatening noises across the Channel.

As most of England’s ordnance (arms and military equipment) was either made or stored near to the Channel coast it was deemed prudent to find a location somewhere better protected but still with access to all areas. In modern times a logistics centre.  Land was procured and work commenced in 1803 starting with a spur from the canal that would run into the depot.  First cargoes being bricks and other materials to build the store houses and other buildings.  By 1806 canal access was functioning and the building was underway.  Napoleon never did invade Britain but arms, uniforms ammunition and other equipment was allocated to the Army and shipped around the country and the world to support battles in Europe and at sea.  The Ordnance Depot continued to support our forces through many subsequent wars and campaigns including, the Crimean War, and The First and Second World Wars. 

If you have an interest in History, Architecture, Canals, Railways, Military or local history and would like to learn more, why not volunteer as a steward, assisting in the day to day running of the centre and help to inspire others with the story of our local military history. Stewards play a vital role in helping visitors get the most out of their visit; from distributing information and providing a warm welcome, to helping people find their way around this historic site, its uses and the people that worked there.  

Training and supervision will be given and just a few hours per week can lead you into a whole different period of time when the world was at war and sleepy Weedon Bec had the power to support our forces around the world.

What skills do I need?

• Good listening and communication skills

• A keen eye for detail

• Ability to work on your own and as part of a team

• Work within set timescales

• An interest in History/Oral History/Heritage

• Ability to travel to the site in Weedon Bec