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MUSEUM stalwart Allan Whatley (below, left)
is the latest in a long line of recipients of the Dutton Medal -
presented for services to the community.
He received the award from the
Chairman of Nantwich Museum Trust, Robert Stones (below, right) at
the 2009 AGM. Robert explained that the medal was presented to the
“unsung heroes” of Nantwich. People who had contributed to the town but
not recognised for what they had done.
Margaret Wooldridge said Allan, who was
a
librarian in Birmingham and a senior lecturer in the University at
Strathclyde, Glasgow, came to Nantwich 22
years ago since when he had done all he could to further people’s
knowledge and interest in the history and heritage of the town.
A keen supporter of Nantwich Museum - as
was his late wife, Edith - he was its Secretary for a time. He was a
member of Nantwich Civic Society and one-time Secretary; is particularly
interested in the Riverside development; was a Nantwich tourist
guide; has published a book of Nantwich postcards; was a founder member of
Crewe and Nantwich U3A (University of the Third Age); and guides a local
history group in the Museum.
She said that Allan, who is 96 years old,
was a worthy recipient of the award.
In his acceptance speech, Allan
spoke of what he had been able to do for Nantwich - including
"agitating" for the replacement four years ago of the bridge over the
weir pool in Riverside.
He concluded by saying that the
town had lost its industries but was left with the industry of tourism.
He thought that every member of the Museum Trust should do their best to
promote Nantwich to residents or visitors. Local history was vitally
important, he said.
AMONG other items on the AGM agenda, Anne Wheeler,
Curator, reported on the events of her first eight months in office, and
the recent acquisitions to the Museum collection. Stuart Banks, the
Trust's Treasurer, said the exceptional income for the year was mainly
in respect of the Dorothy Bradford exhibition from which the Museum
received £7,200 from commission on sales of her work. Dorothy Bradford,
an artist who lived near to the Museum, died a few days before her
exhibition opened.
Elected to the Museum's Board
of Management was Jenny Trickett (right).
The Dutton medal
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author J.J.Heath-Caldwell, a direct descendant of the affluent Caldwell
family who lived in Hospital House, Hospital Street - the site of St
Nicholas' Hospital - more than 200 years ago. His talk is based on
some family diaries which give a rare insight into the day-to-day
lives of people in the mid-1750s, with entries written by James
Caldwell (pictured). Tickets are on sale at the Museum, price £2 (Trust members
£1). As this is J.J. Heath-Caldwell’s first visit to
Nantwich the event is likely to be a sell-out. Book early to avoid
disappointment. See 