Poole Museum's Trustees step down to make way for new board
It comes as the venue prepares to reopen after redevelopment
Poole Museum's group of trustees have all stepped down, following a two and half year redevelopment project.
The venue, which is owned and operated by BCP Council, is edging closer to reopening to the public, and is said to be entering 'a new period in the museum’s governance and vision'.
The board of six trustees have agreed to leave - with one Felicity Irwin, staying on during the handover process to a new team.
The new trustees, to be announced later this year, have undergone a rigorous selection process and were approved by the outgoing board to ensure a smooth transition.
Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture at BCP Council said:
“We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Poole Museum Foundation Trustees as they step down from their roles within the foundation. Their dedication, expertise, and passion under the leadership of Felicity Irwin, who I have known and worked with for more than 30 years and who I would like to thank personally, has been instrumental in shaping both the foundation and Poole Museum, and their support and guidance has been invaluable to the museum in recent years. We are extremely grateful for their leadership and service.
“The Trustees have been pivotal in building a strong community of support for the museum, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant and integral part of Poole’s cultural landscape. They have also been influential in securing donations and funding, which have been crucial for the museum’s growth and sustainability.
"Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome new trustees who share the foundation's core values and vision for the future. Their fresh perspectives and ideas will help inspire and guide the foundation’s continued efforts, and we are confident that the legacy of our outgoing trustees will be ongoing as we embark on an exciting new chapter in Poole Museum’s history, as it prepares to reopen this summer following a major redevelopment."
Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Museum Director, Poole Museum said:
“On behalf of Poole Museum and BCP Council’s staff, volunteers, and friends past and present, I’d like to thank the Poole Museum Trustees (PMF) for their many years of support and exceptional advocacy.
“The museum would not be in the position it is now, about to embark on a bright and exciting future if it had not been for PMF, particularly Felicity – who has left an outstanding legacy of which she should be rightfully proud. We wish all Trustees standing down the very best for the future and look forward to welcoming them all to the new museum when we reopen in the summer, and for many years to come.”
The updated Poole Museum will include three brand new maritime galleries; increased interactive and engaging display; a new temporary exhibitions gallery bringing national touring exhibitions to Poole; better access throughout the museum’s estate; a new café space and enhanced wedding venue.