In the latest of our series of ‘Meet the Volunteer’ profiles, we hear from Maggie who is a volunteer on the boat dock:
“I decided to volunteer for the Museum because of the great visitor reviews, my interest in local history, a chance to learn new skills and, of course, an opportunity to meet new people. I began volunteering on the boat dock in October 2014. Prior to that I volunteered for a few months in the archive.
You will usually see me on a Wednesday – either at the dock or in Carter’s yard – helping with the repair and maintenance of some of the horse drawn carts. I mostly work alongside fellow volunteers Keith and Donald carrying out general maintenance and repairs to and around the dock buildings. This has included repairing the paint store, re-puttying window frames, weatherproofing the outside of buildings, painting and some metal work. These activities tend to attract many visitors to the dock who are interested to know what we are doing, as well as in the history of the dock itself.
Volunteering has many positive impacts but the two areas of my life where it has had the most benefit are socially and the development of new skills. When I started at the museum I had recently moved back to the area after a long absence and didn’t know many people. By volunteering at the museum I found myself surrounded by a group of friendly, interesting people – some of whom have become friends outside of work. As for skills I am now able to confidently tackle many DIY tasks that I would never have attempted in the past!
I think the best thing about volunteering is that it restores the sense of purpose that once came from employment. It gives structure to the week, the enjoyment of working within a team and a real sense achievement in a job well done.”
With great feedback from our visitors, some lovely examples of community engagement during our call-outs for stories, record-breaking attendance, and giving the Museum the opportunity to fulfil more of its potential with Forging Ahead, 2018 has been a remarkably good year for BCLM. This kind of performance doesn’t happen by accident, and I sometimes talk about achieving our purpose on purpose. That purpose is about being a great Museum + Charity + Visitor Attraction. All in One. It is a balancing act that requires customer focus and effective collaboration, and one which you are delivering. We are one team, working together.
So, as we approach the end of the year, I want to thank and pay tribute to you and the part you have played in our success this year. It makes me very proud to have the privilege of leading the Museum, and I look forward to 2019, working with you and achieving even greater things for our audiences and the Black Country. Thank you.
Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year.
Andrew
