Honour for Stuart Orme: the man who brings Peterborough's heritage to life
WHEN Stuart Orme took over the hotseat of promoting Peterborough Museum, to most people it was a dusty home for ageing artefacts.
WHEN Stuart Orme took over the hotseat of promoting Peterborough Museum, to most people it was a dusty home for ageing artefacts.Fast forward eight years, and the 37-year-old history graduate has turned the museum, in Priestgate, into a vibrant, colourful home for exciting exhibitions.
And it is for this reason that Mr Orme, from Orton Malborne, Peterborough, has been honoured with the annual Mayor's Award for bringing heritage to life for the people of Peterborough.
The award left the museum's events and marketing manager "gobsmacked" when he was presented with it on Monday night by outgoing Mayor of Peterborough,councillor Pat Nash – her final duty – at the annual council meeting.
Today, a modest Mr Orme dedicated the award to his 12 fellow staff members and volunteers.
He said: "I'm humbled to have received the award, but it's not just me, it's a whole team.
"I think history is one of those subjects that fascinates everybody, but some people get put off by it, and then come back to it later in life.
"It's about your ancestors, such as your grandparents during the Second World War, and about how people may have behaved in the past."
Among the popular introductions of recent years at the museum are the guided ghost walks, which were the brainchild of Mr Orme upon his arrival.
The informative walks have helped people explore the spooky side of Peterborough since October 2001, when they were first introduced for Halloween.
He has also guided the museum through many exhibitions, including the Doctor Who displays which saw hundreds of people queueing in Priestgate in June 2007.
"My highlights have included the crime and punishment walk last summer, and going out to speak to the people of the city about the history of the city.
"Also, the ghost walks have been very good as well, and I'm proud of that, because it's something that I brought in," added Mr Orme, who received an engraved glass tankard.
It was Cllr Nash's final act as the city's first citizen before she handed over the chain of office to Cllr Walsh.
In presenting the award, Cllr Nash said: "Overall, Stuart has given eight years of total dedication to the museum. His real gift is that he can bring history to life for anyone."
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Saturday 20 March 2010
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