255. National Trust volunteers

For Herself's last birthday, my Parent gave her a membership to the National Trust. It was a generous, thoughtful present, despite any connotations of socks, sandals and cagoules one may (erroneously) make with the members of that august institution.

Herself is a thrifty gal, and likes to make sure that we get our money's worth. Or, in this case, the Parent's. Quite right too.

So, this year, we have been to St Michael's Mount, Monk's House, Levant Mine, Tyntesfield House, Willow Walk, Sissinghurst and Godrevy Head. Soon we will visit Blickling Hall and Orford Ness.

All those places have been fascinating, and well worth a visit, but the best thing about going to National Trust properties is the volunteers. To a body they are friendly, charming and encyclopedically well informed. Most importantly, they all seem to have a genuine affection - even passion - for their subject.

I'm a bah humbug sort, but you can't fail to be impressed by these people - and they're doing it all for free. Almost makes you feel proud to be British.