Three Cheers for Volunteers!

A celebration of County Durham’s amazing volunteers took place at the museum, with some of our own volunteers picking up awards.

The County Durham Volunteering Celebration, organised by Durham Community Action, showcased the achievements of individuals and groups, and took place in Beamish’s 1900s Town.

Margaret Bulmer, Audrey Turnell and Margaret Swinburne, all volunteers at the museum, were each presented with awards, as well as the Friends of Beamish.

Audrey has volunteered at Beamish for five years. She said: “The volunteer celebration at the museum was excellent. There was a very positive atmosphere at the event.

“As a volunteer in the Costume department, I felt very honoured to have been nominated. I really enjoy my work there making outfits and accessories for staff and have learned many new skills.

“Everyone in the department is friendly, approachable and helpful so it is a pleasure to work there each week.”

Beamish volunteers were in exhibits in The Town during the celebration, demonstrating what they do and how they bring history to life at the museum.

Volunteers from Eleven Arches’ Kynren were among those celebrated, as well as volunteers from Auckland Castle and Nepacs to name a few.

Jo Laverick, Executive Director, Durham Community Action, said: “Thanks to Beamish, Durham Community Action were able to give volunteers in County Durham a proper thank you. We all felt like VIPs. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate all of the contribution made by volunteers to community life in County Durham.”

Durham Community Action, formerly known as Durham Rural Community Council, is a charity that has been providing support to communities across County Durham since 1935.

Beamish has over 500 volunteers who contributed a record-breaking 49,614 hours last year, which was up by 4,000 on the previous year.

Volunteering roles include everything from singing and playing music to wearing costume in exhibits, carrying out visitor surveys and restoring historic vehicles.