Volunteer Stories: Charlene Forbes

Charlene began her volunteering journey with Historic Environment Scotland at the start of the event volunteering programme in 2017. She has been a loyal and dedicated member of the team, returning to volunteer annually at Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace. Charlene regularly shares her volunteering story and experiences with others to encourage them to give volunteering a go; she has contributed to our volunteer newsletter, participated in our volunteers’ film, and during lockdown she filmed herself to take part in the Make Your Mark volunteers’ film.

In 2022 Charlene developed as a role model for people who want to try event volunteering. She shared her natural interpersonal skills in a challenging time of people returning to large-scale events and volunteering, providing an exceptional experience for visitors and her fellow volunteers. Charlene mentored less experienced volunteers, helping them to grow in confidence especially about interacting with young people and families through delivering learning activities. Charlene overcame personal pandemic uncertainty to return to her volunteering role and helped others to feel confident through her infectious enthusiasm and authenticity.

Through her dedication and passion for sharing her love of history with everyone, Charlene has become an ambassador for event volunteering with Historic Environment Scotland.