Minister of the Month – Clare Macnab

Meet our Minister of the Month Clare Macnab. Clare is one of our star administrators who, when not making top-notch curtains, helps keep our writing programmes shipshape.

Name: Clare Macnab

Volunteer role: Administration Assistant

Live: Wandsworth

Favourite story and why: The Velveteen Rabbit as it is a very touching story

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am an administration volunteer, helping out weekly at the Ministry of Stories. I also make and sell curtains and blinds, sing in a choir and try to paint pictures.

Why did you decide to volunteer with Ministry of Stories?

I wanted to improve and practise my administration skills to get back in to paid work and to meet new people.

Were you nervous about anything before starting?

I was nervous about various tasks, but everyone was so friendly and supportive it made all the difference to my nervousness. Soon I was ordering gingerbread cutters to create Ginger Dead Men and taking minutes at the board meetings.

What has been the best experience of volunteering?

Seeing the model version of Impacted Earwax (Pears’ soap, grated and moulded) I made on display in Hoxton Street Monster Supplies’ pop up shop in Liberty, London. Also, the way the Ministry team and volunteers care about each other and the work they are doing.

What has been the most unexpected thing about volunteering?

The brilliant volunteer events held to celebrate the amazing work volunteers do. The Halloween events are always particularly ghoulish! Also having regular appraisals with the General Manager.

Describe the Ministry of Stories in three words

Inventive, inspiring and fun.

What would you say to other people thinking of volunteering with the Ministry?

Go for it! There are so many different ways to become involved and enjoy making a difference.