GreyFriars, a prominent establishment in Colchester’s Cultural Quarter, has made a significant donation to the Colchester Museums Development Foundation (CMDF) to expand career opportunities and community engagement within the town’s heritage sector.
The two-year funding package will support the creation of new roles and initiatives at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum, and the Natural History Museum. The initiative is designed to foster inclusivity and open pathways into heritage careers, particularly for young people and recent college graduates.
Key among the developments is the establishment of a new Collections and Learning Assistant role. This position will work collaboratively with the Collections and Learning teams across Colchester Museums to enhance public programming and educational outreach. A particular focus will be the redevelopment of the Natural History Museum’s learning offer, supported in part by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
In addition, the GreyFriars Apprenticeship Scheme will launch as part of the initiative, offering paid, year-long apprenticeships to one or two college leavers each year. These apprenticeships aim to provide hands-on experience and valuable insight into museum and heritage careers.
Sophie Weaver, chair of the CMDF, expressed gratitude for the contribution: “Colchester Museums Development Foundation and Colchester Museums are incredibly grateful for this generous support. It will enable us to reach out further to the communities we serve and give greater opportunities for their engagement with the collections.”
Market Field College, a partner in the apprenticeship scheme, welcomed the development. A spokesperson said, “We are so excited to be building on an already wonderful relationship with Colchester Museums thanks to this support. It will undoubtedly have a significant impact on future career prospects for the college leavers involved.”
The initiative was also praised by Lee Scordis, Colchester councillor for culture, heritage, and environment. “This is a brilliant example of how local partnerships can make a meaningful difference. GreyFriars’ generosity will not only help strengthen our museum service but also create new, inclusive opportunities for young people in Colchester and Tendring,” he said. “It’s exactly the kind of initiative we want to see – one that connects heritage with community and future potential.”
