A stalwart of the Knutsford community is stepping down from their position as Manager at Knutsford Heritage Centre, with the trustees now on the lookout for a new volunteer.
Val Bryant began volunteering at Knutsford Heritage Centre in 2007 after a career at the Quarry Bank Mill and became the volunteer manager in 2010. During this time her expert textile knowledge saved the Millennium Tapestry and saw the centre receive the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2018 – the equivalent of an MBE for charities.
Val announced her plan to step down from the Heritage Centre to trustees and volunteers in November, setting May 2024 as the date. A new voluntary manager is now sought to help lead the centre to further success.
“Looking back, I marvel at everything we have achieved together in bringing the Centre to what it has become today – a unique visitor attraction” said Val.
“I have loved every moment of all the things I have done for the Centre and for me our biggest achievement for the Centre and for me was when we won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018. I am immensely proud of that award.”
“I am currently in the process of applying for Museum Accreditation, which I hope we achieve before I leave. This would be the icing on the cake for the Centre, then we can call the Centre Knutsford Museum!”
Knutsford Heritage Centre was established in 1989 and is home to the Millennium Tapestry, May Queen Crowns and a treasure trove of town memorabilia. It is currently open three days a week Thurs-Sat and is operated entirely by volunteers.
Chris Henretty, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said “Without doubt Val has been an extraordinary volunteer who has achieved a great deal and has brought the Heritage Centre back to life leaving it in a very strong position for her successor. We cannot thank her enough for her efforts over the past 17 years and she leaves an everlasting legacy including that of the Queens Award for Volunteers. We wish her and her husband David a healthy and happy retirement.”
The call is now out for a new volunteer to come forward and take on the task of managing the Heritage Centre. The role is approximately 20 hours per week and will work closely with volunteers and trustees to oversee all aspects of operations.
Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan said “Knutsford Heritage Centre is an absolute jewel in Knutsford’s crown and does incredible work protecting and sharing Knutsford’s history. Val has done an amazing job and deserves great thanks from the town. The hunt is now on for her successor, someone who can help ensured the continued success of our Heritage Centre”
More information about the voluntary position can be found here: www.knutsfordheritage.co.uk/manager