Volunteers recognised for service to Shropshire museums

Enthusiastic volunteers who share their knowledge and experience with visitors at venues across Shropshire Council’s Museums Service are being recognised for their efforts.

Members of the group are being awarded special pin badges to celebrate three, five and 10 years of service at the attractions. The badge designs are inspired by different items in the museum service’s collections.

Three volunteers were presented with bronze pin badges represented by the Iron Age Copper Alloy Spoon for three years’ service, 20 received silver badges, represented by the Wroxeter Roman Mirror for five years’ and 14 gold badges were awarded, represented by the Mid-Shropshire Angel Noble Coin for 10 years.

Together the group has clocked up 342 years of service.

Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:-

“This is a wonderful and very relevant way of acknowledging the value we place on our volunteers and celebrating their achievement.

“We are lucky to have people who willingly give their time, and they make a huge difference to our communities.”

Becky Benson, volunteering officer at the Shropshire Council-run venue, said:-

“We run an inclusive volunteering programme and welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities to get involved with our work.

“Volunteers help welcome visitors, improve access to our collection and undertake a range of activities to enhance the work we do. Volunteering with us supports individuals to gain valuable work experience, to become part of a welcoming and friendly community and to build their knowledge and skills.

“We consistently receive glowing reviews for our volunteers, whose knowledge, support and contribution to the Shropshire Museums Service, both front of house and behind the scenes, is invaluable.”

Each year approximately 120 volunteers support Shropshire Museums across its venues.