Our volunteers come from wide variety of backgrounds, all bringing their skills, time and most importantly, their passion to the cemetery. We work hard to make sure volunteering at Willesden Jewish Cemetery is a great experience.
Find out about what it is like to volunteer from Molly, Mark and Ben. They show some of the variety of opportunities you can get involved with at the cemetery.
I grew up in Cricklewood and currently live in Belsize village. I have always had an interest in cemeteries, so when my wife alerted me to volunteer guides required at Willesden Jewish Cemetery, I jumped at the opportunity. I love being a volunteer guide and really enjoy the research.
I am Harvey Simons and have been volunteering as Front of House at Willesden since 2019. What I like best about Front of House is the opportunity to meet and interact with visitors, many of whom are only too happy to open up with their stories and those of their departed relatives.
I moved to Willesden at the end of 2022 and joined the Willesden House of Life as a volunteer during the Big Help Out in 2023. It has been a fantastic way of getting to know more about the deep Jewish history on my doorstep, meet other volunteers and start to grow roots in the local community.
I became a volunteer on the “House of Life“ project back in Spring 2019. I have always had an interest in history, and it was great for me to be involved in a project that combined history with a Jewish connection.
Jackie, originally from NW London now lives in Bushey. Before retiring, she enjoyed working in various market research roles. Jackie began volunteering through her good friend Corinne, who asked her to help out with researching WW1 soldiers commemorated at Willesden.
I am super excited to become a volunteer guide for the Willesden Jewish Cemetery.
Since moving to England from Russia in 1991, I’ve worked as a translator, interpreter, secretary and web designer, but my ambition has always been to be a tour guide, as I have a life long interest in English history and culture.
Phillip was born in 1948, the eldest of three children and was brought up in Wood Green. After a long career in sales, Phillip retied and still carries out some of those duties at his Synagogue in Hampstead, where he is currently the Financial Representative and at his golf club in Radlett. He also helps out here at Willesden Cemetary not only in gardening, but liaising between the volunteers and maintenance staff on health and safety matters.
I have learned about the varied contribution of Jews to British life and been able to share that with the many visitors to the cemetery. It has also been an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
