NEWARK PARK in the Ozleworth Valley, near Wotton-under-Edge, is looking for volunteer room stewards.

The house, originally a Tudor hunting lodge, is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public from April to October.

Room stewards are needed to help present the house, particularly on weekends from June to the end of the season.

There is currently a team of 45 enthusiastic volunteers, most of whom answered a request in the National Trust membership mailing. They have now given a year's service, mostly on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Michael Claydon, the tenant of Newark Park and is the visitor services manager, said: "We do not see what the volunteers do as work - they are giving a valuable gift of time to the trust and we want them to have fun."

The National Trust has a highly organised policy on volunteering and Mr Claydon has a six-inch thick file to guide his job of co-ordinating the team.

Volunteers take it in turns to present each of the nine rooms in the house. They sit in the room and answer questions from visitors (with the help of a file and information 'bats'), as well as keeping an eye on security.

There is also always one volunteer who 'floats', available to relieve the others and for other duties.

The main impression that strikes visitors to Newark Park is the homeliness of the place. Despite dating from the 16th century and being full of valuable historical objects, the house is very obviously also a home.

If a chair is not roped off, a visitor is even welcome to sit in it.

Restored and lived in by the late Bob Parsons, an American millionaire, the dedicated work at Newark Park is now continued by his friend,Michael Claydon.

His private rooms are not open to the public, but other bedrooms are sometimes used as guest rooms.

One of these is the Tudor room, the original master bedroom which boasts a no longer used garderobe - a basic toilet in a corner, consisting of a long shaft directing the contents to the ground.

The original fireplace is also on display.

In 1790 the architect, James Wyatt, converted the lodge into a four-square castellated country house.

The long gallery was divided, with new chimneys and fireplaces, and extra rooms were created.

One of these was a pretty bedroom, now known as the Georgian room or tent room - the ceiling boasts a painted trompe l'oeil, copying a former fabric tent effect.

A campaign bed, possibly from the Boer War, is covered with a white beadwork Quilt, made by African women.

Newark Park is full of this remarkable mix of English and world artefacts, as well as old and modern pictures.

There are many paintings of the house, such as one by Wotton artist Rob Collins, in the entrance hall, of Bob Parsons with Newark through the trees.

Newark Park was built on the edge of a steep cliff by the Poyntz family and it is surrounded by breathtaking views of woods and countryside.

The dining room, used by Mr Claydon for entertaining guests, is decorated with original William Morris 19th century wallpaper.

In the exhibition room upstairs a very interesting case displays things found when restoring the house, including some 18th century wallpaper.

There is also some painted glass, a lady's shoe and a large collection of glass bottles found in a wall - the stonemasons might have been helping themselves to the wine cellar.

The Clutterbuck family owned the house at one point, while the Dickinson family immortalised some family gatherings with fascinating early photographs. Later Newark Park was used as an old people's home.

Built using stones taken from the ruins of nearby Kingswood Abbey, it is said to be haunted by a monk.

But the atmosphere, of both house and gardens, is very friendly.

All the volunteers, from places such as Stinchcombe, Tytherington, Bisley and Standish, talked in glowing terms about the welcome they are given at Newark Park.

Maurice Curtin said: "Michael is so positive, and he's very energetic and well organised."

Last year Newark Park attracted 8,000 visitors, a 50 per cent increase on the expected number.

If anyone is interested in volunteering as a room steward at weekends, they can apply to Michael Claydon on 01453 842644.

Pictured: Michael Claydon, tenant of Newark Park GJA479V03