News

Our Museum Curator Barry Bull has won the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award

at an awards ceremony in Birmingham Hippodrome on Wednesday 11th September 2019. Judges cited Barry’s 50 years of service to the museum, his team leadership, and enthusiasm to share his knowledge with visitors.

Barry faced strong competition from the 11 finalists in the Individual Category of the West Midlands Museum Volunteer Awards, all of whom had made significant and outstanding contributions to their museums.

At the ceremony it took a moment to persuade Barry that this was for real, and that he had to go down to the stage to receive his award. Indeed, one of Barry’s attributes as curator is his reluctance to “be noticed”, wishing to simply work alongside the museum team, and share his knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors.

Barry said “It was a complete surprise, totally unexpected. I have worked alongside so many other volunteers in the museum over the decades and I would like to pay tribute to all their hard work. It was good to share the stage with the Young Volunteer of the Year, and to see his enthusiasm and dedication. I hope our young volunteers have as rewarding and enjoyable a time as I have had over the decades.”

The award is an individually crafted ceramic tile, specially made at the Jackfield Tile Museum, part of the Ironbridge Gorge group of museums.

“Those throughout the heritage railway movement who know Barry, and the Chasewater Railway Museum in particular, will have little doubt that his endeavours over so many years fully justified the award. Congratulations and well done Barry.” commented David Bathurst, Museum Committee Chair.