The Viking Building at Cranborne

Volunteer Profiles

To volunteer on this project please follow the link to ATC

Name. Dave Chinchen

Age. 48
From. Bournemouth

Dave has been involved with the ATC for six years and is a regular volunteer on storytelling nights and has helped out on our previous “Roman Forge” project.

Why do you volunteer on this project? “I don’t know, that’s a damn good question! – it’s good fun and I enjoy it and I like the variety of work involved. There is none of the pressure associated with other work (Dave has been a builder since leaving college at 16). The project offers something completely different to get involved in.”

Any dislikes about the project? “No, it’s just a fun day. I suppose allocating Saturdays to the project is sometimes difficult, but I’ve enjoyed all of the work so far.”

Name: Gillian Lockie
Age: Ageless & Timeless
From: Southborne
Profession: Chiropodist

Why do you volunteer on the project? “I have known about the Ancient Technology Centre for the last 20 years and have been visiting, volunteering on various projects, helping at storytelling events and attending all the adult skills courses – I’m always here! This place is like my spiritual home!”

Have you learned any new skills while working on this project? “I’ve learned how to use a drawknife, an adze and a chisel - mysterious runes appeared on the building recently…”

Any dislikes about the project? “There’s nothing I dislike about this project, except perhaps waiting all week to come back.”

Other interests: Dance: Flamenco, Appalachian, Salsa, Argentinian Tango, Belly dancing; walking, reading, gardening, going to the gym, dressmaking, cooking, archery, attending folk festivals and camping.

Name: Dominic Fell
Age: 32
From: Bournemouth
Profession: Timber framer and carpenter

Why do you volunteer on the project? “I found out about the project on the internet and have been coming since Christmas. I enjoy the historic interest and the woodworking – it doesn’t get much better than this.”

Have you learned any new skills while working on this project? “I’ve

Any dislikes about the project? “I can’t think of anything”

Other interests: Painting and Viking Age re-enactment

Name: Ralph Dicker
Age: 57
From: Fovant
Profession: Bench joiner

How did you get involved with the project? “I originally heard about the ATC through the RSPB at Garston Woods and I’ve been volunteering since January 2007. I like everything about the project.”

Have you learned any new skills? “Adzing – I’ve never done that before.” If only we could believe him!

What do you dislike about the project? “Nothing comes to mind”

Other interests: Wildlife and countryside matters, outdoor skills

Name: Colin Alborough
Age: 66
From: Merley
Profession: Retired

How did you get involved with the project? “I found out about the project from a flyer describing the project and asking for volunteers. I enjoy the variety of the work and the companionship.”

Have you learned any new skills?

What do you dislike about the project? Nothing

Other interests: My nine children and one grandchild, motorcycling, Clubman motorsports – active member of Walbridge Motorclub for 40 years, school governor.

Name: Roger Batkin
Age: 75
From: Canford Heath
Profession: Retired

How did you get involved with the project? “I saw a flyer / advert about the project and need for volunteers and started coming in May of 2007. I like the woodworking and carpentry, the company and the involvement in a unique and interesting project.”

What do you dislike about the project? “No! It’s a great day out!”

Other interests: Sailing and any outdoor activities and conservation work with Dorset Voluteers.

Name: Rodger Allan (aka “The Doughnut Man”)
Age: Old enough!
From: Bournemouth
Profession: Neurosurgeon/Nuclear Scientist (Hmmmm)

How did you get involved with the project? “I have been coming to the ATC for the last 20 years and help out with all the events here. I also enjoy the opportunity to do something different from my stressful everyday role.”

What do you dislike about the project? “The pay is a little slim!”

Other interests: “I would have plenty, if I only had the time.”

Name: Jim Hood
Age: 32
From: Bridport
Profession: Helicopter mechanic

How did you get involved with the project? “I found out about the ATC on the internet and about the project after attending a storytelling and seeing the model on display. I started volunteering in 2007. I like being outside and working with tools I don’t normally work with.”

What do you dislike about the project? No

Other interests: Re-enactment, majority of which is 1st Century British and Roman, and 15th/16th C and some 18th C re-enactment.

Name: Julia Doble
Age: 40
From: Southbourne
Profession: Chiropodist

How did you get involved with the project? “I’ve been coming to the ATC since it first started. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team.” Julia is Gillian’s sister.

What do you dislike about the project? “Flat adzing is the only thing – but I like round adzing!!”

What skills have you learned? “Adzing – which is mainly what I’ve been doing along with lighting the fires and making the tea.

Other interests: Just completed an Anatomy and Physiology course, Thai cooking, dancing, walking the dogs, skiing and holidaying, and looking after my two children.

Name: Jasmine Doble
Age: 10
From: Southbourne
Profession: Student

How did you get involved with the project? “I’ve been coming to help with my mother, Julia. I like the project because it’s fun and it’s free!”

Have you learned any new skills? “I’ve learned how to use a chisel. I’ve also been to the ATC to learn how to make felt.”

What do you dislike about the project? “It’s too windy and cold on some days.”

Other interests: gymnastics and trampolining

Name: Rachel Alborough
Age: 11
From: Merley
Profession: Student

How did you get involved with the project? “I’ve been coming with my father, Colin.”

Have you learned any new skills? Chiseling

What do you dislike about the project? Cold weather

Other interests: sports

Name: Felicity Frost
Age: 28ish
From: Wimborne
Profession: Gardener

How did you get involved with the project? “I heard about the project through the Wimborne Community Magazine and started helping out in March 2007. Being part of making a building is brilliant. I also enjoy the company and using different tools and just being here at the ATC.”

Have you learned any new skills? “I’ve learned how to split hazel using a billhook, hurdle making and adzing.”

What do you dislike about the project? No – pass!

Other interests: Motorbikes, cycling, going to the pub, listening to bands and Tai Chi.