New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst seeks new chair as Mary Montagu-Scott prepares to step down after 12 years
A NEW chair is being sought to take over the reins at the New Forest Heritage Centre as Mary Montagu-Scott prepares to step down after 12 years at the helm.
Mary, who has also been a trustee for 34 years, told the A&T it was time to “hand over to a fresh pair of hands”.
“I do so with some sadness, as this is probably the institution closest to my heart of the many with which I have been involved”, she said.
The centre – comprising a museum, archives, gallery, cafe and shop – is based in the centre of Lyndhurst, off High Street. Free to enter, it receives no public funding and relies on donations from visitors and grants from organisations.
It was opened in 1989 after a group of residents formed the New Forest Ninth Centenary Trust – now called the New Forest Heritage Trust – and spent nine years raising funds for the centre.
Since then it has grown into a completely unique 50,000-item collection of books, manuscripts, documents, maps, objects, film and oral histories, all donated by members of the public.
Mary said: “The Heritage Centre is a very special institution – independent of the many agencies and interest groups in the Forest – and has the most remarkable collection of documents, maps, images and objects which tell so many stories.
“The New Forest is my home and my passion, and this is an organisation which holds the Forest’s very essence in its archives. It has such an important role to play in our understanding of what makes this part of the world so very, very special.”
The centre’s library and archive is dedicated to Christopher Tower, a Middle East scholar, diplomat, soldier, author, collector and traveller who, after visiting the New Forest in the late 1980s, developed a deep interest in and appreciation for its history and natural beauty.
The archive has an extensive natural history collection, including observational notes from naturalist and filmmaker Eric Ashby, drawings and carvings by esoteric artist Tom Charman, woodland and forestry records and reports, as well as oral histories collected from a wide range of local communities.
The museum covers social and cultural history, tradition and ancient law, wildlife and conservation, as well as a new project launched last year, Embroidered Tales, which will focus on more marginalised local communities.
It also regularly hosts exhibitions and events.
Mary added: “The archive is true cultural capital, and the centre has a very exciting, relevant and sustainable future which the new director, Angus Harley, and archivist, Judy Faraday, will be visualising and planning in the period ahead.
“This is a role which comes with responsibility. Responsibility to oversee an informing, educating and entertaining offering to an extremely broad range of visitors who pass through our doors.
“At the same time ensuring we have a business model that works, and which enables us to continue collecting, conserving, cataloguing, and co-curating.”
Mary said her favourite part of the centre is the “beautiful” New Forest Embroidery which depicts the history of the area, threaded by 60 locals, led by her mother, Lady Belinda Montagu, in 1979.
She said her role as chair had been “a brilliant way to meet people and make a bit of a difference”, but added she was looking forward to going back to the centre as a volunteer and spending time looking through the archives as a visitor.
“We are well placed within a family of charities and agencies forming an ecosystem that cares for the New Forest and its future.
“If you care about place, people and the environment and you are someone with verve and inspirational qualities, please do apply for this role – you will not be disappointed by the wonderful team of staff and volunteers who will thrive off your wisdom and enthusiasm to deliver a vibrant future.”
Those interested in taking on the voluntary role should send an email outlining their background and a CV to chair@newforestheritage.org.uk
