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AFTER two and a half years as
Curator of Nantwich Museum, Anne Wheeler has left us. Many
people associated with the Museum gathered in the Millennium
Gallery for a farewell ceremony on March 30.
Anne has moved to
Ireland with her husband, Matt, who is Curator-Manager of
the Irish Agricultural Museum, Johnstown Castle Estate and Gardens in
Wexford Town. He was previously Curator with Cheshire West and
Chester Council, based at Weaver Hall Museum and
Workhouse, formerly the Salt Museum, in Northwich.
PATRICK Chesters (right), a Trustee
of the Museum - standing in for Robert Stones, the Chairman of
the Museum’s Board of Management - said:
"This is a sad day, I think
everybody will agree. It is only when we have something like
this that we realise how quickly time goes. It seems like only
yesterday when Anne became the Curator in October 2008.
“We have had a number of
successful events along the way in that short time.
“lThe
painting of Perdita at Nantwich Racecourse, on show in the main
gallery, was a superb purchase. We had a print of
the painting, but this is the only known painting of the
racecourse, which is outside of people’s memories.
“lThe
Polish food exhibition during the Nantwich Food and Drink
festival weekend for which we had record attendances when the
Museum was open on the Saturday and Sunday.
“lMore
recently, the acquisition of the Hurleston Brooch which was
found just outside of Nantwich. With the help of Volunteers,
Patrons, the Rotary Club of Nantwich, the Town Council and people of
the town we were able to purchase the brooch. The main donations
came from the V&A / MLA
Purchase Grant Fund and The Headley Trust
“lWe
were also able to buy some Roman coins when the finder, Reg
Baker, donated his share of the money.
“That is a very small snatch of
what happened in those couple of years. But things move on and I
am sure, Anne, that everyone here will wish you the very best in
your new life over in Ireland where your husband will be involved in
the museum in Wexford.”
Patrick presented Anne with a
guide book of Ireland and Board member Molly Stone presented her
with a bouquet.
ANNE declared the book “absolutely
perfect,” adding that she would enjoy touring round looking at
all the places featured.
Thanking everyone for their help
and support in the past two-and-a-half years, Anne said so much
had happened at the Museum which would not have been possible
without their help.
She said: “You are all very
welcome, if you are over in Ireland, to visit the Irish
Agricultural Museum.” The museum had “the most amazing
collection. It is our cheese room and loads, loads more.” |
