Talking about the past … Martinborough Museum

Anne Dodd, volunteer extraordinaire at Martinborough Museum.

Anne Dodd says being a long-term volunteer with Martinborough Museum “is all about conversations.”

The former town librarian, Anne has been a volunteer at Martinborough Museum since 1985.

Enjoying people contact, she says “it’s pleasing to see visitor numbers rising, as people discover Martinborough’s diverse history.

“Obviously, not everyone wants to chat, but usually we can pick up a sense if visitors would like to know a little more about an exhibit or the village.

“People can be reticent about asking questions. So, I believe it’s the volunteer’s role to gauge how much is enough. I like to help them feel comfortable about asking questions. Then we can share as much (or little) information and local stories as visitors want.

“People are generally interested in the ‘slice of early Martinborough life and times’, and we often hear comments like “my granny had one of these” as they find an appealing item.

“Then, I can often add a wee bit more context or detail, and allow the conversation to grow, if they wish. Not everyone wants depth,” she says.

Anne particularly enjoys conversations with visitors who have a local connection.

“They often reveal new snippets of local information or family stories, and we can in turn slip them into conversations with other visitors.

“I believe it’s a more valuable experience for visitors, and interesting for volunteers. It’s good to offer a relevant, more personal touch for the visitors.

“The free brochure and town map are handy points of discussion or information for visitors to take away. Visitors are generally surprised to know the building was purpose-built as the town library, reading room and chess rooms. The 1894 cost was £226.

“It was designed by prominent architect Charles Natusch. Much later, rear rooms were added to accommodate the librarian’s family. Although the WC was outside.”

The building remained the town library until 1976, when it moved to the Jellicoe Street site. The far-sighted decision was made to retain the building as the local museum.

The Dodd family emigrated from Scotland in 1981, when her husband Richard was offered a position at the Carter Observatory in Wellington. They moved to Martinborough in 1985.

Anne was appointed part-time librarian and says “It was a good job for me. I had time to get to know people, literally over generations. In my 23 years we expanded library premises several times, meeting local demand and adapting to changes in Martinborough’s population”, she said.

“Since then, the library, museum and Martinborough community have blossomed. In the early grape-growing days, few would have imagined Martinborough as a holiday destination, with a rapidly growing population and an international reputation for fine wine. I greatly enjoy sharing those stories,” she smiled.