Preston museum volunteer recognised for work

2:16pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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A dedicated volunteer from Preston’s Harris Museum and Art Gallery has had years of hard work recognised by a national awards scheme.

Greta Krypczyk-Oddy has worked at the city centre museum for the last nine years and was one of three winners at the Nationwide Community and Heritage Awards scheme in a ceremony held recently at The Lowry, Salford.

She will now go forward into the national finals, attending a celebratory event at the Tower of London in November.

Peter Holme, another volunteer at the Harris, was named as the runner-up.

Greta said: “I am delighted and honoured to have won the regional final for my work at the Harris.

"I’ve enjoyed all my roles, especially meeting the public and behind the scenes, I really do feel like one of the team.

"I have also learnt what a complex organisation a museum and art gallery is, and have been privileged to have been involved in so many areas.”

Dr Amanda Draper, keeper of art at the museum, said: “We are very pleased that Greta’s hard work on behalf of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery has been publicly recognised.

“She helps us in so many valuable ways such as cataloguing collections, exhibition development, giving guided tours, demonstrations and fund-raising as well as being chair of the museum’s Friends’ organisation.”

One of Greta’s greatest achievements has been her collections work and for the last three years she has been documenting the museum’s fashion plates collection, one of the most significant in the country.

Alex Walker, head of arts and heritage at Preston City Council, said: “The Harris Museum is always on the look out for new volunteers as they provide a fantastic service for us and for our visitors, enabling us to achieve ever more ambitious exhibitions and activities for the public.”