VOLUNTEERS at Lyme Regis Museum have been sharing how rewarding they find helping out at one of the town’s most visited tourist attractions.
The museum is a registered charity, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to discover the remarkable story of Mary Anning, the Jurassic Coast and Lyme Regis's rich maritime and natural heritage.
The museum's volunteer community is absolutely central to its success and without them, it could not operate in the way it does or direct so much of its resources towards caring for its world class collections.
Front of house volunteer John Gooden said: "Meeting and greeting is such a pleasure and hearing from visitors, UK and international, how much they enjoyed their visit always brightens my day. They are often delighted to know that they are standing where Mary Anning lived."
Jan Munro applied to volunteer at the museum in March 2025 after moving to the area the year before, having retired from a long career in managing countryside sites.
"It has been a marvellous way to indulge my geological interests, meeting so many interesting people and making new friends along the way,” she said.
Martin Wells also became a volunteer following retirement and said it was the best decision he made.
He said: “Every time you are on duty it's different, but above all you are respected as a vital part of the museum team."
For fossiler Kate Legg, it’s an opportunity to share her knowledge of fossils with visitors.
She said: "It is always great to share knowledge that helps empower people of all ages."
For Stevie Heafford, volunteering at the museum has fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
She said: "It was always my dream to move to Lyme and work in the museum, and now I do and I love every minute of it."
Sue Davies volunteers because she believes in what the museum does for the town. "I want to help make sure the museum can stay open and continue to be a place that people want to visit when they come to Lyme Regis," she said.
"By volunteering, I help the museum use more of its funds on caring for the collections rather than on staffing costs.”
Lyme Regis Museum welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. To find out more, email museum@lymeregismuseum.co.uk or visit www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk.