by Ray Duffill
Hedon Museum is appealing for people to get involved and help it continue providing services to the community.
Founded in 1996 and run entirely by volunteers, the museum has always relied on people giving their time in various roles to keep it going.
Dr Martin Craven, one of the museum’s key founders and an Honorary Freeman of Hedon for his work promoting and preserving the town’s history, shared some background about the museum and its current appeal for new volunteers.
“I know that many readers will have sat through history lessons at school and found them dull and uninteresting. You may have thought there are too many dates and boring details about past people who appear to have no relevance to our 21st-century way of life. As a result, the idea of popping into the Hedon Museum on an open day – Wednesday or Saturday, between 10am and 4pm – never comes to mind.
“However, why not give us a visit? We have a constant mix of modern themes with temporary exhibitions of work by local artists and craft groups, alongside displays showing many aspects of the social history of our town and neighbourhood.
“Apart from the expected displays, there is a shop selling books, novels and small gifts – which could solve your birthday present problems – and upstairs we serve teas and coffees, which, like admission, are free of charge. We also do our best to help with local inquiries, such as family history questions or consulting old Ordnance Survey maps.
“The museum is entirely run by volunteers – without them there would be no museum at all. So why not visit us and discover more about the museum and volunteering?”
Martin went on to describe one of the key volunteer roles: shift volunteer on an open day.
“You may have a few hours of your time to spare to help us. On each open day, Wednesday and Saturday, we ask volunteers to do either a morning shift, 10am to 1pm, or an afternoon shift, 1pm to 4pm. We always have two volunteers on duty at any one time.
“However, if anyone can offer even just an hour, the museum can probably find a role for you. The museum, its committee and volunteers are like a community that thrives on enthusiastic support and the ideas of its members.
“As well as offering your time and skills, volunteering gives opportunities for learning new things. For younger people in particular, it can also provide useful experience to add to a CV.
“The committee is responsible for the museum’s operation, maintenance and upkeep, and a variety of skills are needed. If you think you might be able to help as a committee member, please get in touch.”
Martin added: “If you are interested in helping this community service thrive, come into the museum and write your contact details in the Enquiry Book. We will follow this up without delay. We need your support!”
How to get involved
Contact the museum on an open day (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, March to November) by calling 01482 890908 or emailing [email protected].
Visit the museum at the Town Hall Complex (via Watmough’s Arcade), St Augustine’s Gate, Hedon HU12 8EX.
You can also find the entrance via what3words at w3w.co/caves.consoles.scorch. Entry is free. Refreshments and souvenirs are available.