Fifi the Owl has been part of Oldham Pride for as long as we can remember. Now she's at the heart of a touring exhibition celebrating our community's history, and we're looking for warm, friendly people to welcome visitors and help bring it to life as it travels around the borough.
Fifi's Legacy is a 12 month project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, celebrating and preserving Oldham's LGBTQ+ history. It has three parts: the restoration of our mascot, Fifi the Owl, the collection of oral histories, photographs and memorabilia from our community; and a touring exhibition that will travel around the borough between November 2026 and February 2027.
Key information
- Start Date: 12th August 2026
- End Date: 26th February 2027
- Volunteer: Weekly, Fortnightly
- Tasks: As an Exhibition Host, you'll be the friendly face of that exhibition.
What you’ll do
• Welcome visitors and help them feel at home in the exhibition.
• Answer questions about the project and Oldham Pride, using the information we give you.
• Encourage people to explore the displays and take part in any activities.
• Gently support anyone who wants to share a memory or story the exhibition brings up.
• Collect visitor feedback when we ask for it.
• Help set up and pack away the exhibition, and keep the space tidy, welcoming and accessible.
The practical bits
• Time: flexible. Sessions are typically 2 to 4 hours, and you sign up for individual exhibition dates that suit you.
• When: the exhibition tours from November 2026 to February 2027.
• Where: accessible venues around Oldham.
• This is a voluntary role. It is not paid, but all reasonable expenses are covered. - Training: You do not need any experience. You need to enjoy meeting people and to care about the stories we're sharing. We will give you everything else, including full training and a handbook.
- Requirements: Willing to travel by public transport or find own way to volunteering location
- Skill And Qualifications Required: You might be a good fit if you:
• Are friendly, welcoming and happy chatting to members of the public.
• Are reliable and punctual, and comfortable working as part of a team.
• Care about inclusion and about celebrating Oldham's LGBTQ+ heritage.
A connection to Oldham, or to its LGBTQ+ community, is welcome but not essential. Allies are genuinely welcome - the most important thing is that you're warm with people and glad to be there. - Interests: Art, Heritage, LGBT
- Suitability: 16-17 year olds, Event, Indoor, Older people, People with a visual impairment, People with restricted mobility, Short term commitment, University students, 18 and over
- Activities: Customer Services, Lending a helping hand, Stewarding
- Skills: Listening, Managing people, Organising, Talking to others, Teamwork
- Home Based: No
- DBS Check: No
- Are Volunteer Expenses Reimbursed?: No
What you’ll do
• Welcome visitors and help them feel at home in the exhibition.
• Answer questions about the project and Oldham Pride, using the information we give you.
• Encourage people to explore the displays and take part in any activities.
• Gently support anyone who wants to share a memory or story the exhibition brings up.
• Collect visitor feedback when we ask for it.
• Help set up and pack away the exhibition, and keep the space tidy, welcoming and accessible.
The practical bits
• Time: flexible. Sessions are typically 2 to 4 hours, and you sign up for individual exhibition dates that suit you.
• When: the exhibition tours from November 2026 to February 2027.
• Where: accessible venues around Oldham.
• This is a voluntary role. It is not paid, but all reasonable expenses are covered.
• Are friendly, welcoming and happy chatting to members of the public.
• Are reliable and punctual, and comfortable working as part of a team.
• Care about inclusion and about celebrating Oldham's LGBTQ+ heritage.
A connection to Oldham, or to its LGBTQ+ community, is welcome but not essential. Allies are genuinely welcome - the most important thing is that you're warm with people and glad to be there.