Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury thanks volunteers and members

Membership at Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury now exceeds pre-Covid pandemic figures with 430 members contributing to its success including 75 regular volunteers. 

The museum - which is now best known as the home of renowned artist JMW Turner’s watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey - had to close its doors during the pandemic and lost around ten of its volunteers. 

Post pandemic the team had to work hard to not only get the Turner on display, but to also to get the museum back on track.

Currently, 75 local people generously donate their time on a day-to-day basis to help the Athelstan go from strength to strength. 

The added high profile provided by the Turner painting and collections such as the Malmesbury Coin Hoard - a collection of more than 1,200 Roman coins discovered by a metal-detecting enthusiast in a Wiltshire field ten years ago - has helped drive the museum’s success.

Susan Mockler, vice-chair of the Athelstan Museum management team, has thanked members and volunteers for their support. 

She said: “Our member numbers are significantly up on pre-Covid figures, with 430 people, which is nearly 100 more than we had before the pandemic.

“What’s particularly interesting is that a number of those new members are international and found us during lockdown.

"It’s lovely to have membership from home and abroad and for us to know that the history and heritage of Malmesbury is reaching all corners of the globe.” 

Following a successful year, the team are now looking expand their pool of volunteer numbers even more. 

Chair of the museum’s trustees Sharon Nolan said: “Volunteering in the museum is a great way to meet new people, learn about the history of Malmesbury and contribute in a positive way to the community. 

"There are different roles, on the front desk, helping with our amazing collection, education and outreach, exhibitions, events or the museum shop. 

"There is something for everyone."

For more information visit shorturl.at/koHMO