Burwell museum helpers scoop museum awards
Helpers at Burwell Museum and Windmill scooped three prestigious awards at the annual SHARE Museums East Volunteer Awards on Thursday 4th June.
The museum’s Mill Team topped the True Grit category, while volunteers Paul Hawes and John Wisbey each received Silver Owl awards for volunteering for (considerably) more than 25 years.
The winners were announced during a virtual ceremony held online due to social distancing rules and provided a welcome piece of good news for the volunteers, who are unable to continue with their work or open the museum due to coronavirus restrictions.
The True Grit award recognises unglamourous tasks, battling against difficulties, and doing often dirty and unappealing jobs that need specific skills.
The Mill Team was commended by Niki Hughes, Chair of SHARE Volunteer Co-Ordinators Forum, saying they keep the windmill’s wheel turning, are ‘truly inspirational’ and show ‘tenacity and teamwork’.
The team has contributed to the ongoing maintenance of Burwell’s 200-year-old Stevens’ Mill after extensive restoration over the past 40 years.
Burwell Museum and Windmill Administrator, Alison Giles, said: “It’s especially exciting to win this year, our 200th anniversary year, and great to have an opportunity to celebrate the work of our Mill Team, our longest-serving volunteers and all of the other fantastic winners and nominees."
“Burwell Museum was started by volunteers and we very much rely on their goodwill and skills to keep the museum and mill running. We’re very grateful to SHARE for putting on the awards and for their support for museums in the region, especially at this difficult time.”
The museum is planning to celebrate the achievements of the winners, as well as commemorate the 200th anniversary of the windmill later this year or early next year, once social distancing restrictions are lifted.
The awards ceremony can be viewed on YouTube here.
