Author: IT Team

Two weeks ago, two iconic team members received recognition for having been part of our Museum’s history for 30 years.

• Louise Small remembers how her mother, her two aunts, her uncle, and her cousin started working at the Museum when it opened. During the summer holidays, she would accompany her mother and help clean up in the café. During these 30 years which, according to Louise, have flown by, she has worked in many different roles. Her favourite is the story of the chemist, Mr. Doo (and all the poisons), and most recently Lea Road Infant Welfare Centre.
• Barbara Tyler started on 2nd April 1994 and has always worked as an historic character. Her favourite building to work in is Jerushah –  she makes the rugs and looks after everything.

Both have been employed as historic characters and supported the Museum through all of its developments during these years. Our sincere thanks to both Louise and Barbara for their contribution to giving our visitors a brilliant day out over the last 30 years. 

Something that both highlight about a lifetime working at the Museum is the people. Louise says, ‘everyone is so nice, we are like one big family. I love how interesting visitors are as well’.

Congratulations to Joe Davies, from the Maintenance team, who has recently completed his apprenticeship and has been offered a permanent position with us as a Gardener.

Joe joined us as part of the ‘Kick Start’ Scheme, studying at Birmingham Metropolitan College and being based in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From 8 November 2021 to 7 February 2024, Joe pursued his Level 2 qualification, demonstrating not only his commitment but also his passion for horticulture.

As Joe steps into his new role as a Gardener, we look forward to the valuable contributions he will continue to make to our Museum.

Welcomes

A warm welcome to our latest addition, Samina Shabir, who has joined the Museum this month as our newest Historic Character Team Manager. Samina comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge from Chessington and Merlin attractions such as the London Eye.

Please make sure to say hello if you see Samina on site.

Farewells

At the end of March we said goodbye to Pam Woodall, Enterprise Supervisor, Laura Dudley, Development Coordinator and Helin Elma, Enterprise Team Member.

Earlier this month we bid adieu to the following established colleagues;

Tom Dipple, Programme Development Manager (Education), has changed career direction with HMRC after 5 years in the Programme Development team.

Les Round, Multi-skilled Maintenance Assistant, leaves the maintenance team after 16 years with the Museum.

We also say farewell to Janet Brennan, who leaves us for Network Rail after 7 years as our Health & Safety Manager.

Charlie Moon, Museum Welcome Administrator, Amy Walters, Enterprise Supervisor,  and Enterprise Team Members Chloe Nicholls and Nicola Gill.

Their absence will be felt within the Museum and we wish them all the best.