Gallery
In May this year, volunteers at the museum were given the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, known as the 'MBE for volunteers' for: 'Providing an exceptional educational service for local schools within the museum and preserving its regimental collections.' The Queen's award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.
At the presentation ceremony, Mr Ian Dudson CBE handed a certificate signed by HRH The Queen and the engraved crystal award to Mr James Whittaker and Mrs Christine Gilbert as representatives of the over 120 individuals who donate their time, enthusiasm and expertise to the museum.
Dani Pritchard, Curator of the museum said: “We are so proud of our amazing volunteers, without them the museum would be a much lesser place. It’s a privilege to work with them.”
In the second half of the ceremony, Lance Corporal Watchman V, the much loved mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment was promoted to Corporal by Mrs Jane Dudson, who awarded him with his new chevrons of rank. LCpl Watchman, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is present at many 3rd Battalion (Staffords) and Mercian Regiment events, including the home-coming parades that took place in Lichfield, Stafford and Burton
The mascot tradition in the Regiments of Staffordshire stretches back to the 19th century. In 1882 The South Staffordshire Regiment was ordered to march with Lord Wolseley to the relief of General Gordon at Khartoum. During this journey the Regiment’s pet dog known as “Boxer” leapt from a moving train and was seen lying unconscious, presumed dead at the side of the track. A few days later a very thin and bedraggled dog staggered into camp and collapsed. Boxer had walked over 200 miles along the scorching dessert railway track to rejoin his regiment.
The museum can be found at Whittington Barracks, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434394. The museum is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 12.30 to 4pm and bank holidays 12.30 to 4pm.
The museum is planning lots of exciting development and events over the coming months. Go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com for further details.
Photographs
2. - Mrs Jane Dudson and the newly promoted Corporal Watchman V
3 - The Lord-Lieutenant Mr Ian Dudson CBE, Mrs Jane Dudson, Mr James Whittaker and Mrs Christine Gilbert accepting the award and certificate on behalf of the museum volunteers, with two cadets from the Lieutenant's office.
