Take part in making city's history and join the band of museum volunteers

Milton Keynes Museum - shop manager Janet Hancock, right, with volunteer receptionist and book-keeper Sheila Holmwood,

With plans to complete major new galleries during MK’s 50th anniversary year, the museum says it needs to double the number of volunteers from 200 to 400.

Milton Keynes Museum, based in Wolverton, is believed to be the largest volunteer-run museum in the country, with members of the community involved in everything from re-enactments and school visits, maintenance, collections care and office work, gardening and ticket sales.

Museum volunteers have recently been responsible for building and fitting out one of visitors’ top-rated features - the Connected Earth gallery – among them Keith Stones.

Milton Keynes Museum - volunteers from the Home Retail Group helping to clean collections in the street of shops.

Keith said: “I used to come here with my grandson and loved the place so once I retired volunteering here was a chance to carry on mixing with people and make a difference.”

A familiar face for visitors, Janet Hancock now runs the museum’s reception and shop. She said: “I really look forward to coming in and don’t know why I didn’t come years ago. The people who visit are so enthusiastic and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Information sessions for anyone interested in joining the team take place at 2.30pm on Thursday, February 25 and 10am on Saturday, February 27.

Visit the ‘get involved’ page at www.mkmuseum.org.uk

You can book a place at either session by emailing [email protected]