WHILE some people are awarded an OBE by King Charles, a group of National Waterways Museum volunteers have been given an honorary title of their own – they are now members of the Octogenarian Boating Ensemble.
The idea came when Jeff Fairweather turned 80 on New Year’s Eve last year and discovered that nearly 20 of his colleagues at the museum in Ellesmere Port are also in the ‘big 80 club.’ They represent about a quarter of the museum’s volunteer force and together have contributed more than 50,000 hours of service.
Jeff, a retired assistant manager at The Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park and former HGV driver and transport manager, said: “The Octogenarian Boating Ensemble (OBE) began as a joke with colleagues and then blossomed from there. When you start looking, it is amazing how many of us have hit the big eight-zero, but we are all still keen to carry on.
“I started volunteering here in 2011 after moving to the area. I was looking for something to fill my Saturdays and have never looked back. I’m proud of being part of a fantastic team of staff and volunteers operating and maintaining our heritage site, grounds, locks and boats. I was honoured to have been chairman of the Boat Museum Society and Boat Museum Trust for five years.
“I would say to anyone who might be considering volunteering here that it’s never too late. There are opportunities for all, so get out of your armchair, come join us, and improve your health and well-being.”
Alongside Jeff receiving special OBE recognition at a celebratory afternoon tea held in July were Mike Turpin, Cath Turpin, Lynn Potts, Jane Lane, John Davis, Frank Perra, John Hughes, Bill Darch, Roly Smallwood, Derek Speakman, Bob Dean, Bob Thomas, Di Ascott, Stuart Gardiner and Ann Gardiner.
Ani Sutton, destination and attractions manager for the museum, which is run by the Canal & River Trust, said: “Our volunteers have a wealth of experience and knowledge which they give to our charity and pass on to the younger generations. They a do a fantastic job and, in return, volunteering returns a sense of achievement, purpose and belonging.
“The trust couldn’t operate the National Waterways Museum, packed full of historic boat treasures, without the support of volunteers. Our current team are brilliant, but we are always keen to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved – whatever their age!”
