This month’s volunteer chat features Heidi Darbyshire, who at just 17 years old is already a familiar face thanks to her volunteering at Ritz Cinema, Thirsk. We met up with her to find out more about her journey and any words of wisdom she has for anyone thinking of following in her footsteps.

Hi, I’m Heidi Darbyshire. I’m 17 years old and, alongside doing my A-levels and various other hobbies and jobs, I volunteer at the Ritz Cinema in Thirsk once a fortnight. In September I’ll have been volunteering at the cinema for two years – how it’s flown by! My role is to sell tickets (and plenty of sweets and drinks!) and make sure everyone is safe when watching the film before seeing them out at the end of the evening.

What attracted you to the organisation and volunteer role?

I’ve always loved the cinema, especially our little one in Thirsk. I saw my very first film (The Adventures of Tintin) in the cinema when I was just three years old. My dad used to be a volunteer and when the film was an appropriate age rating, I’d come along with him and it would be the highlight of my week giving people their sweets and tickets. I’ve always been familiar with the Ritz so when, in 2023 I came to watch a film with my dad, I said I’d love to volunteer. He suggested I asked for an application form… and now here I am!

What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering?

If anyone was thinking of being a part of any volunteering organisation, I’d highly encourage it. For me at the cinema, I meet so many people and the general public are always so lovely. My fellow volunteers on my shift are people I would’ve never interacted with otherwise, but we couldn’t get along better! Volunteering opens up so many doors, it’s great being part of the community in Thirsk and I really enjoy doing my bit to help out. The cinema is one of two volunteering jobs I do and I can’t recommend it enough to do at least some volunteering at some point.

What was the best piece of advice given to you as a volunteer?

100% the best piece of advice I’ve ever received as a volunteer is to read the volunteer’s handbook. We get some out-of-the-box questions and if we didn’t take the role seriously and read all the rules and regulations, then I’m sure some bizarre and difficult situations could arise. Despite it not being a paid job, there is still that some level of responsibility given to you, so there’s to be no slacking!

Finally, please tell us something about yourself that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know

To be honest, I’m sure they would be surprised to know that I’m not a Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer.  It’s something that always comes up because of my age. Beyond that, I think they’d be surprised to hear that I am also a qualified netball umpire. I have umpired matches for a range of abilities, and am proud to have been asked to officiate at a couple of Harrogate and district matches – which is generally unheard of for someone under 18.