Jane Swithinbank - Volunteer Garden Tour Guide
As a Garden Tour Guide, Jane knows every single corner of the Palace's lands and can also give you historical details about trees, plants and Bishops. Keep an eye at Fulham Palace 'What's on' page for upcoming tour dates.
When did you first come to Fulham Palace?
I have found an entry in my diary dated 28th May 1977 where I say that my husband and I 'walked in Bishops Park and the ground of the Palace which are lovely!' That was the very next day after we decided to move to Fulham. Since then I have spent many happy hours with friends there.
What is your role and what does that involve?
I am Garden Guide which involves taking people around the grounds and telling them about the noteworthy trees and the Bishops who had a great influence on the evolution and changes to the gardens over the centuries.
How often do you volunteer?
It varies according to what Tours are booked and who is available for them and the Turn Up Garden Walks. We also do Open Squares Weekend. It probably works out at about once a month.
What is your favourite thing about Fulham Palace?
This is a extremely difficult question to answer. Like many people I am very fond of the walled garden and the old wisteria but I do have some favourite trees like the Black Walnut, Himalayan Birch for its beautiful and very useful bark and the Paperback Maple which adds a special glow outside the Chapel even in the dark days of winter.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I enjoy the interaction with the people on the walks and passing on some knowledge I have gained and, I hope, still gaining and seeing their enjoyment of the unique Fulham Palace. It is also fun to meet the other volunteers and staff who make it what it is today and I particulary admire all the 'green-fingered' ones!
Would you like to share anything else about your experience?
Just what a joy and privilege it is to be part of it all.