The Chapter House Museum Trust, a group of volunteers based in Dunkeld, Perthshire have just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Established in 1994 by a group of volunteer amateur historians, the Trust has developed beyond its core purpose as a museum and archive. The hard work and dedication of its volunteers creates a unique range of opportunities and experiences for people in this community and beyond. These include work experience for young people through the Kickstart and Young Person’s Guarantee Schemes, a Young Archaeologist Club, and a Mid-Week Memories Club for local residents to reminisce over a cuppa, to name but a few.
They have also been able to offer a Museum and Galleries Practice Apprenticeship this year to a graduate who began as a volunteer.
Future plans include the extension and redevelopment of their premises to create a first-class museum which will be fully accessible. These extended and purpose built premises will enable them to increase even further the opportunities they currently offer to all age groups, and to provide the best experience for visitors exploring the history and heritage of Dunkeld and Birnam.
The Chapter House Museum Trust is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Manager Ruth Brown says: “I am delighted that our group’s work has been recognised in this way. I am very proud of our volunteers' achievements as we simply could not exist without them. Our volunteers range in age from 17 to 96, and we are so fortunate to benefit from the diverse range of opinions and skills they bring to our workforce.”
Whisky Auction – Our charity auction with the whisky auctioneer begins on the 24th of November and will run until the 4th of December via the whisky auctioneer website, to take part in the auction you must register on their website.
We are very thankful to all those who donated bottles of whisky to us for use in our auction and will update you all on the progress of our fundraising for our extension project after the auction. Sam Heughan has kindly donated a signed bottle of his Sassenach whisky to us for the auction so, Outlander fans keep your eyes peeled!
Midweek Memories – Our midweek memories meetings are off to a great start! So far there has been lots of excellent chat and many stories and bits of information shared. The midweek memories are every Wednesday 10:30-12:30 in the community archive, all are welcome! Taxi can be provided if necessary, free coffee, tea, cake and free raffle upon arrival.
Young Archaeologists Club – Our bi-weekly young archaeologists club have had a great time learning how to barter and also learning about Dia de los Muertos! If you are aged 8-16 and would like to join our next meeting please contact the Archive.
We are always accepting new donations of documents, artefacts and photographs relating to Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding area. If you have anything you would like to bring into the archive please feel free to come along for a visit!
12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN.
www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk
01350 727786
