Insole Court

National Volunteers' Week is flying by, and we're loving the opportunity to celebrate all the people who help make Insole Court such a warm and welcoming place.

Meet Heather, who has been volunteering at Insole Court since 2019.

🌿 Why do you volunteer?

Heather: "I like to keep my mind active and use my skills to support the community. Volunteering has also been a great way to meet people and feel connected to what's happening here."

🌿 What do you love about Insole Court?

Heather: "It's such a special place. The gardens are magical, and as a family we've made so many wonderful memories here with my grandchildren. There's always something going on, the people are lovely, and it's a place that brings people together. The coffee is pretty great too!"

🌿 What's your favourite thing about Insole Court?

Heather: "Oh definitely the salted caramel sauce from Halen Môn"

Heather is just one of the 20 or so dedicated volunteers who help manage Insole Court's Gift Shop and Reception. The team takes responsibility for stocking the shop, answering calls, welcoming visitors and supporting the day-to-day running of the site. This dedicated team is often the first friendly face people meet when they arrive and what a warm welcome they offer.

To Heather, and to all of our Gift Shop volunteers, thank you for the care, commitment and community spirit you bring to Insole Court. 💚

GLO AUR • From Coal to Gold

Join us on Wednesday 15 July for the Glo Aur fundraising walk, a powerful journey from Porth to Insole Court, remembering the lives lost in the 1856 Cymmer Colliery disaster and honouring South Wales' mining heritage.

This year marks 170 years since 114 men and boys lost their lives.

Take on the full 17-mile route or join for part of the journey. Walk, run or cycle with us, carrying a piece of coal as a symbol of solidarity.

💛 Fundraising for Insole Court Trust

Sign up via the link below and be part of this special act of remembrance • https://insolecourt.org/event/glo-aur-walk-2026/

This National Volunteers' Week, we're sharing the stories of the people who give their time, skills and passion to Insole Court.

Today, we're introducing Di, who has been involved with Insole Court since the 1980s and now volunteers in Butler's Books, our much-loved second-hand bookshop nestled in the Mansion's former butler's pantry.

🌿 Why do you volunteer?

Di: "I've been involved with Insole Court, on and off, since the 1980s. I'm keen to help keep it open for the community because it holds so many happy memories for me and my loved ones, and I'm sure it's the same for lots of families.

I've made a lot of friends here over the years, and there are so many wonderful people, both volunteers and staff, who all work hard to make this place what it is."

🌿 What do you love about Insole Court?

Di: "It's a lovely place, with a great community. You're always meeting new people and bumping into old friends. I love seeing couples getting married here and making new memories of their own."

🌿 What's your favourite thing about Butler's Books?

Di: "So many books! I was a teacher so I love Shakespeare but Poetry and crime novels are also some of my favourites."

Di is just one of the dedicated volunteers who help run Butler's Books. Tucked away in the Mansion's historic butler's pantry, the bookshop is packed with pre-loved books, hidden gems and literary treasures, with every purchase helping to support Insole Court.

To every volunteer who gives their time to Butler's Books, thank you for helping create such a welcoming space for book lovers and visitors alike. 🌿