The hard-working team of six volunteer gardeners at Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset have been awarded The Volunteer Team of the Year at the Volunteer Centre Dorset Awards.
Delighted museum director Francesca Hollow said: “The Museum of East Dorset is a charity dedicated to preserving local culture and heritage and we pride ourselves on our stunning 100 metre walled heritage garden and Tea Room which is solely maintained by a small team of volunteers.
The museum has been open the public since 1962 and over the last few years, the gardening team have been working to improve and maintain our garden as we want everyone in the community to be able to visit and enjoy its beauty and tranquillity. The garden is seen by the locals as a real hidden gem and a community space, something we are all proud of!”
The winning garden team consists of Janice Dunk, Alison Francis, Jolyon Lockhart, Michael Henry , Wendy Proctor, Catherine Walker and head gardener Simon Dunk.
Not only do the gardening team volunteer every week to maintain the garden, but they also grow their own produce and lead tours to raise money for the museum. In 2024, the gardening team managed to sell almost £2000 worth of plants and garden produce including the head gardener’s delicious homemade jam.
Francesca Hollow added: “The time and dedication to go above and beyond really exemplifies the team’s commitment to the museum and the community of Wimborne. A huge thumbs up to their green fingers and dedication.”