Museum Staff, Friends And Council Colleagues Say Farewell to Carol Brown

Published on: 1 Jun, 2018
Updated on: 1 Jun, 2018

Staff and friends have bid farewell to Carol Brown who has retired after three decades working at Guildford Museum.

Carol Brown has retired from Guildford Museum.

Her colleagues and friends at Guildford Borough Council’s heritage services held a farewell party for Carol at the Britannia pub, presenting her with a stylish Parker pen, a gift voucher and a bottle of bubbly. It was postponed from November as Carol was unwell at the end of last year.

The museum’s collections officer Catriona Wilson, said: “Carol has been a much valued colleague and friend to the team.

“During her time, she brought a great deal of enthusiasm, exuberance and vigour to the museum with her tenacity, good humour and an eagerness to be involved.

“She was always happy to pitch in with whatever was going on – whether doing her ‘Mrs Mop bit’, making suggestions for new exhibitions, planning shop stock to link to themed events, or taking part in pub quizzes with the museum team. This willingness to pitch in continues with her voluntary role as secretary of the Friends of the Museum.”

Carol said: “I wish to thank all my former colleagues for the gifts they gave me and for their support and friendship. I really enjoyed working for heritage services and the opportunities I was given over the years.

“I also thank Sandra Tingle for the delicious Hummingbird Bakery cake!”

Carol Brown pictured with Hugh Anscombe, of the Friends of Guildford Museum (left), and Guildford Remembrancer Matthew Alexander, also former curator of the museum.

Catriona added that Carol has a tremendous thirst for historical knowledge, always happy to be learning more and absolutely generous in sharing this with those she meets along the way – whether volunteers, schools, historical societies, or visitors to the museum.

Carol completed a degree in history at the University of Surrey during her time at the museum and is now invited to share her research across the country with UK-wide groups such as the Women’s History Network.

Her talks cover topics such as the SOEs (Special Operations Executives) at Wanborough, the Second World war, Guildford, and votes for women

Whether a shared appreciation of a book or a recent talk Carol had been to, her colleagues appreciate her endless enthusiasm and passion for learning. There can be few who have spoken to Carol over the years who have come away without an appreciation of the distinction between suffragist and suffragette.

Carol leads an extremely full life outside of work as well, including volunteering with youth and church groups, and more recently with the Surrey History Centre. She has a passion for books, and anyone visiting her house could not fail to be impressed by the large collection she has amassed.

She loves to attend many of the events held during the annual Guildford Book Festival and has had a long association with period re-enactment groups and the Surrey Infantry Museum.

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