02/05/2026
Meet Alex, our volunteer of the month for May.
Q: How did you first get involved with Little Woodham?
A: I visited the village for the first time when I was 16, and visited again on May Day. I thought it was the most magical place and couldn’t believe volunteers could come and spend their weekend dressed in historical clothing learning crafts all weekend! I decided it was where I needed to be.
Q: Tell me what you do in the village.
A: I am the travelling pedlar! I bring goods and trinkets from far and wide and try to sell them to the villagers and visitors. Even if you aren’t interested in my wares you might want to hear the news and gossip I bring with me!
Q: What do you do in the 21st century?
A: I work in geographical information systems (digital mapping!)
Q: Tell me something interesting you have learned by being a part of Little Woodham.
A: Being at Little Woodham has taught me many things which I have applied to my life. I have a much better appreciation of things that are hand crafted and made of natural materials. I think about the resources that it takes to produce things and how I can repair re-use and recycle them, just like 17th century villagers would have done.
Q: What is your favourite part of the day in the village?
A: I love the beginning of the day, when the sun is shining, the buildings are open, the fires have been lit and the villagers are in their houses or chatting to each other in the street.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering at Little Woodham?
A: Get stuck in! Don’t worry if you don’t have a ‘trade’ or ‘craft’, and don’t worry if your knowledge of the 17th century isn’t vast. We all start somewhere, and there will be plenty of time to build your knowledge and skills. What better way to do it than surrounded by lovely people who all have a love of history?!
Photo credit: F11 Studio Films
