WELL-known local historian, 98-year-old Allan Whatley has retired from the Museum where he has worked as a volunteer for the past 23 years.

   During that time he has worked on the front desk where he enjoyed meeting visitors and learning from them more about the history of the town. He was secretary to the Museum Trust for two years.

   His library and information skills were invaluable in his work on the Museum's collection of documents and photographs. This included the archiving of Peter Ray's notable collection of photographs of Nantwich.

   In 1992, Allan published "Nantwich in Old Picture Postcards". He has also written numerous articles for newspapers, magazines, visitor guides, booklets and the Internet.

   Allan is a founder member of the Crewe and Nantwich U3A (University of the Third Age). Until recently he headed the Nantwich local history group which originally met in the Joseph Heler Room at the Museum. Many students have benefited from and been inspired by his work on local history, his interest encompassing all aspects of the town's history including buildings, people, events and streets.

   In 2009, the Museum Trust awarded Allan the Dutton Medal for services to the community of Nantwich. The medal is produced annually by Nantwich-born medal designer Ron Dutton in memory of his parents, Walter and Ada Dutton.

 

THE Museum relies on the services of volunteers and always welcomes anyone who wishes to contribute to its activities as Allan has done so successfully for many years.

 

Museum volunteers