Museum stalwart, John Branfield, has decided to retire after an amazing twenty years as a Museum Steward. John will be greatly missed for his scholarship, warm welcome to all, and a gentle sense of humour, but we will still benefit from his experience and enthusiasm in many ways. Enjoy a restful Friday morning John!
Here are some of John’s favourite moments in his own words.
“It has always been satisfying to see the obvious enjoyment most visitors take in the Museum, showing their appreciation in their comments in the Visitors’ Book. I have been interested in foreign visitors, where they were from and what drew them to St Agnes. I have enjoyed the look of wonder on the faces of children when they see the size of the turtle and feel hope for the future in their response to the story of how this magnificent creature was killed by a plastic bag in the sea. I remember a beautiful drawing that a 12-year-old girl made sitting at the tiny desk, her response to the mining cabinet. Of particular pleasure have been the local people who have come in with stories of characters and places, and objects in their possession. In the last few minutes of my last morning I met a woman who has a sketchbook by Tony Giles – and who is willing to lend it to next year’s exhibition.”
