After a few months volunteering at The Gordon Highlanders Musuem, Aberdeen mother-of-three Lisa McKenna already feels like part of the family.
Here the 45-year-old, who is currently studying for a Phd at Aberdeen University, tells the people of the north-east in an open letter how they can do their part to ensure the museum is around for future generations
“Dear people of the north-east,
I am writing to tell you my story, to talk about how that could become your story and to ask for your help.
As you grow older there just aren’t as many surprises as there used to be, are there? On my birthday I could pretty much tell you who will send a card. But this year I received a surprise. I opened an envelope and I was truly taken aback.
I’m a busy mum and I study part time but I don’t have a workplace so when I saw loads of birthday messages on the inside of the card it was really special. It was from The Gordon Highlanders Museum where I have been volunteering for just a few months.
It’s a lovely thing to feel part of a team. The Gordon Highlanders has a really unique way of making you feel part of a community.
I am currently a volunteer guide and I’m one of over 170 volunteers who help the museum keep up its five star status as one[1] of the north-east’s most popular visitor attractions.
When I started I just wanted to gain some experience and knowledge of the local area. Originally hailing from Glasgow I have spent the last few years moving around the world and bringing up children. In every new area we have visited museums and places of cultural interest. Now, just because I’m ‘home’ I felt that shouldn’t change. We so often neglect the cultural treasures on our doorstep only to go on holiday and take tours around foreign destinations.
If that sounds familiar I suggest you visit The Gordon Highlanders Museum. They tell the story of what Winston Churchill called ‘the finest regiment in the world’.
It’s a regiment that was raised more than 200 years ago and paraded for the first time right here on the streets of Aberdeen. The history of the Gordon Highlanders also helps tell the story of this area and how the world has come into contact with it. The museum has visitors from all over the north-east and from all over the world.
Wondering if you could volunteer? Well, The Gordon Highlanders Museum has volunteer gardeners, tea room, guides, people who help in education, researchers, and reception staff – chances are you have a skill we really need.
And if, like me, you know nothing about the regiment itself you’ll get trained up by those who do. I walked in the door knowing very little and having no connections to The Gordon Highlanders but some of my fellow volunteers have been helping out for 20 years or more and many were actually in The Gordon Highlanders.
I was worried I would be overwhelmed, under-skilled or out of place, but I was warmly welcomed and patiently prepared to guide on my own. Apart from new friends the experience has given me new skills and interests and boosted my confidence – who could want more?
I’m writing because the museum is finding the current downturn in oil and gas testing, reflecting the difficult times we are all suffering. Though the visitor numbers are rising, the museum has seen its largest income generating area, the hospitality and conferencing department, lose around 60% of its income in the last few years.
So we need more volunteers and financial support. If volunteering isn’t for you just give us a visit, pop in for a coffee or support us with a donation.
If your company needs event or conference space, think of us.
In doing any of these things you’ll help allow the museum to carry on its invaluable work. It’s an irreplaceable facility and a credit to our community – let’s keep it open.
Many thanks and I hope to give you a tour of the museum some time.
Lisa McKenna”