The Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum charity has featured in a national awards list for the second year running - this time as an outright winner, picking up a £500 cash prize which will be donated to museum funds.

FWFM helps to support the town's magnificent Victorian museum by running popular events and by supplying knowledgeable volunteers from among its 90-plus members.

It also gives some financial aid towards running costs of the 1847 purpose-built museum, largely thanks to its publication recently of two series of books of photographs both of old Wisbech and the town's pubs past and present.

Now the Friends has been honoured with the title Friends of the Year by the British Association of Friends of Museums.

Having last year gained a 'highly commended' certificate for the impact it had made in one year, in 2023, with the criteria widened to cover a longer time-scale, the Wisbech Friends picked up the winner's trophy.

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The BAFM says that the Friends of the Year award aims to 'recognise excellence amongst our member groups as they continue to support the development of the arts and heritage throughout the UK.'

Chairman of the Museum Friends, Paul McGregor, said: “This is a significant achievement for the Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum.

“Winning a national award will raise the profile of the Friends locally and across the country, particularly as it involves a national conference to be held in Wisbech in October 2024.

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“Delegates from around the UK will come to the area to discuss supporting the Museum and also have an opportunity to view the important cultural and heritage activities happening in Fenland.

“At a time when all museums need help and support this recognition is very welcome and reflects that hard work put into this event by the Friends’ Secretary Garry Monger”.