Museum volunteers receive awards

People who volunteer in museums across the North East have been recognised for their contributions at an awards ceremony at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.

Those receiving accolades included Jack Walton who volunteers at Discovery Museum and was the winner in the Outstanding Contribution from a Young Volunteer under 25 category.

Other winners on the day included the team of volunteer guides at Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnel; volunteer Aaron Moody from Seven Stories in Newcastle; Rosemary Zakrzewski who volunteers at the Museum of Archaeology, Durham; and Robin Gibson, Railway Operations and Engineering Manager at Stephenson Railway Museum who was nominated for his work in supporting the team of volunteers at the museum.

The awards were presented by Councillor Ged Bell, Chair of the Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Joint Committee. He said:

“The contribution that volunteers of all ages make to the running of museums in the North East is incredibly valuable. Much of the work we do would not be possible without their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Volunteers and staff in museums across the North East nominated their peers who they felt deserved recognition either for their volunteering or for their work in supporting volunteers in museums.

This year’s ceremony included a special award category recognising volunteers’ contributions to World War I programmes in museums, which was won by volunteers at Woodhorn Museum who worked on the Weeping Window Poppies exhibition.

Keith Merrin, Director of Woodhorn, said:

“47 fabulous volunteers were involved with various aspects of the Weeping Window Poppies exhibition, from helping with the preparations for the installation and providing help and guidance to would-be family researchers, to dedicatedly stewarding the sculpture and assisting visitors.

“They have been an incredible team, and an invaluable part of the success and smooth running of the event, contributing hugely to the visitor experience by providing knowledge, information, practical help and support, and a listening ear. This team has had an undeniably positive impact on the cultural organisation at Woodhorn, and the award is a fine tribute to their amazing contribution.”

The North East Museum Volunteer Awards is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.

Award for Outstanding Contribution from a young volunteer under 25

Winner - Jack Walton, volunteering at Discovery Museum for the Boxes of Delight team

Highly Commended - Shannon O’Neill, volunteering at the Head of Steam in Darlington

Contribution to Collections Care award

Winner - Rosemary Zakrzewski, volunteering at the Museum of Archaeology, Durham

Highly Commended - Vicky Wakelam, volunteering at Corbridge Roman site

Contribution to Supporting Volunteers Award (Paid Staff)

Winner - Robin Gibson, Railway Operations and Engineering Manager at Stephenson Railway Museum

Highly Commended - Kylea Little, Keeper at Discovery Museum.

Contribution to Visitor Experience award

Winner - Aaron Moody, volunteering at Seven Stories

Highly Commended - Paul Snaith, volunteering at Head of Steam in Darlington

Contribution to Learning Programmes

Winner - Lillian Keily, volunteering at Great North Museum: Hancock

Volunteer Team Award

Winner - Victoria Tunnel Guides

Highly Commended - Beamish Town and Pit Life team

Highly Commended - Durham Castle team

Special Award: Contribution to WWI programmes

Winner - Weeping Window Poppies exhibition team, Woodhorn