VOLUNTEER guides at The Bowes Museum have been recognised as being among the best in the country.
They have been highly commended in awards offered by the Marsh Charitable Trust, which acknowledges the contribution of volunteers across the UK.
The Bowes Museum team earned recognition for the external tours of the building and grounds introduced by the volunteer guides in response to the covid restrictions.
There are currently 23 guides at the museum, some of whom have been volunteering for over 20 years. They regularly give their time freely to share their love of the museum, its story and the history of the objects with visitors.
They run daily tours for visitors from April to October as well as specialist tours for coach trips, WIs, arts societies, U3A groups and other organisations, including the visually impaired, ranging in length from about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the number of questions.
Most tours cover the museum’s history, focussing on the founders, Joséphine and John's marriage and their wonderful generosity, then show a selection of exhibition highlights.
Volunteer guide co-ordinator Ray Morris said: "This acknowledgement is a great testament to the dedication and knowledge of our volunteers.
“We are really pleased to have been recognised in this way and I’m sure this prestigious accolade will add to the pride our volunteer guides already get from enhancing visitors’ enjoyment of this wonderful museum.”
Each year the British Museum and the Marsh Charitable Trust run the volunteers for museum learning award, which celebrates and recognises the innovation, dedication, and distinction of volunteers in museums, galleries and heritage sites around the UK in engaging with the public.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer guide can find out more by contacting hello@thebowesmuseum.org.uk.
