Two new members of staff have joined the team at Wirksworth’s award-winning Heritage Centre.
Jo Higton-Metcalf picks up the reins as the new Community Learning and Education Officer (CLEO), managing and developing the centre’s varied programme of events and activities whilst colleague Heather Green is on maternity leave. As Community Learning and Engagement Officer, Jo will utilise her 15+ years’ experience in education and in working within the area to organise and manage a wide range of activities and events in the heart of the Wirksworth community. Jo comments: “Having lived and worked around the country I am now happy to be back once again, ‘home’ in Wirksworth. I’ve donated a lot of time to the community as a volunteer in various roles, and I am proud to be stepping up as an employee at the Heritage Centre.“
Joining Jo, the new Volunteer and Collections Officer is Gordon Collins, who will be responsible for the management of the museum collection, as well as coordinating the work of the growing number of volunteers involved at the centre. Gordon started volunteering himself at his local museum, Strutt’s North Mill in Belper in 2012. Since then, he has gained an MSc in Museum Studies and has worked for the National Civil War Centre in Newark, Strutt’s North Mill and most recently at Redfern’s Cottage, Museum of Uttoxeter Life. Gordon comments: “I’m really looking forward to working at Wirksworth Heritage Centre to bring new and interesting displays to the museum, and to make it an even more enjoyable place for people to volunteer.”