Welcomed by Museum Director Katrina Burton, Dr Fooks toured the extensive site, meeting volunteers engaged in a wide range of traditional crafts and engineering activities. His visit began in the historic Print Shop, where volunteer Stuart shared stories from his former life as a journalist before guiding the High Sheriff through the process of printing his own Amberley souvenir.
In the Tools and Trades History building, Dr Fooks met Jonas, one of the Museum’s most active volunteers, alongside Richard, a recent recruit. Together they showcased the rich collection of historic implements, explaining how the exhibits help visitors understand the working lives and skills of previous generations.
The visit coincided with two school groups exploring the history of transport and industry. There was just time to greet Robert, volunteer driver of the beautifully restored Southdown double-decker bus, before he set off to give the children a memorable journey around the site.
At the Wheelwrights’ shop, volunteers Barrie and Brian were crafting a new wooden wheel, soon to be fitted with its traditional metal tyre. In the Electricity Hall, long-standing volunteer Bob demonstrated the impressive Belliss & Morcom steam-driven generating set, a powerful reminder of Britain’s industrial heritage and the expertise required to keep such machinery operational.
A ride on the narrow-gauge railway from Cragside to Amberley station, courtesy of volunteer driver Miq and guard Helen, offered another glimpse of the dedication required to maintain the Museum’s working exhibits. The morning concluded in the Limeburners Café, where Dr Fooks reflected on the extraordinary range of skills and backgrounds represented among the volunteer team.
Amberley Museum is widely recognised as a celebration of community endeavour. During his previous term of office, Dr Fooks encouraged the Museum to apply for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. In 2023, the Museum was honoured with the award in recognition of the outstanding contribution made by its team of more than 400 volunteers.
As a registered charity founded in 1978 and located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Amberley Museum offers over 40 different exhibit areas, from vintage vehicles and communications to electrical engineering, crafts and nature trails. Its year-round events and interactive displays ensure that heritage is not merely preserved but actively experienced.
At the end of his visit, The High Sheriff commented: “Amberley Museum is a shining example of what community spirit can achieve. The knowledge, skill and sheer enthusiasm of its volunteers are extraordinary. Without their dedication, many of the working exhibits – from steam engines to historic buses and machinery – simply could not operate as they do today. They are the custodians not only of objects, but of living history, and West Sussex is immensely proud of them.”
Interested in volunteering?
There are a wide range of volunteer roles available at Amberley Museum, from maintaining historic machinery to demonstrating craft skills, from welcoming visitors to managing our beautiful nature trails, there is something for everyone. To find out more about volunteering please visit our website https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/join-and-support/volunteer
1. Contributed
"Hold very tight please!" The Bus collection at the museum is world-class. Photo: Submitted
2. Contributed
Volunteers maintain and run a wide range of locomotives at Amberley. Photo: Submitted
3. Contributed
The High Sheriff admires a beautifully crafted shipwright's tool box now under the care of Jonas in Tools & Trades Photo: Submitted
4. Contributed
Volunteer wheelwright Brian and his apprentice Barrie are repairing an old wooden wheel using traditional skills. Photo: Submitted