Wincanton Museum Curator Honoured

An enthusiastic group of Wincantonians consisting of supporters of the Museum, committee members and German guests from Lahnau met at the invitation of the Society of Friends in the Meeting House behind the Museum to congratulate and thank John Atkins for all the work he has done keeping Wincanton Museum alive and flourishing.

The Mayor, Councillor Richard D'Arcy, presented John with a framed certificate and spoke of his dedication to the Museum and how much Wincanton Town Council valued the work of the Museum in preserving the history of the town and communicating and developing an interest and knowledge of the town's past.

Frank Foster, Chairman and Trustee also spoke of how John had kept looking after things at times when it looked as if the museum was about to go under for lack of support, saying that if it were not for John Atkins there would be no Wincanton Museum today. The certificate he received read:

"On behalf of the Mayor and Citizens of Wincanton and the Committee of Wincanton Museum this commemorative certificate is presented as a token of our thanks and esteem to John Atkins Honorary Curator of Wincanton Museum who for more than the past twenty years has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the Museum. In doing so he has preserved documents, artifacts, pictures and photographs that illustrate our past. He has helped maintain and develop our collection, followed up enquiries from visitors and answered their correspondence. He has done all he could to work with schools and community groups, speaking to them and encouraging them to visit the museum and become more aware of the history of this town and area. In doing this he has contributed in a really significant way to the life of our community."

Presented by Councillor Richard D'Arcy On Saturday 3rd April 2010.

After the presentation everyone repaired to the room the Quakers use for refreshments for tea and coffee and we were very glad to welcome among us many of our German guests from Lahnau including this family where the grandparents speak no English and their 13 year old grand-daughter acted as interpreter.

Saturday also marked the opening of the Museum on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am until 12.30pm until the end of September, so if you have not visited the museum - which is free of charge (though donations are appreciated!) - now is your chance to pop in for a visit and see what you have been missing.

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