A POPULAR museum has welcomed a new chairman to its board of trustees – in what has been called a ‘major milestone’.
The Kimmeridge Trust – the overarching charity that manages the mission for The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - unanimously voted in Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, CBE on January 22.
The museum is home to the Jurassic age fossils of prehistoric predators and sea monsters from over 150 million years ago.
Lady Penny Cobham boasts an extensive background in the public sector – she was previously awarded a CBE for Services to Tourism in 2014 and has held successful stints as the deputy Chair for VisitBritian and until recently VisitEngland.
Dr. Steve Etches, MBE, Museum Founder and Head of Collections said: “This is a major milestone for the museum, and I am absolutely delighted that we have such a strong, well-respected leader to guide our endeavours moving forward.
“Lady Cobham has an enormous wealth of knowledge, expertise, and leadership from which the museum will truly benefit.
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“Not only does her experience match the museums ambitions, but she will also work tirelessly with the enthusiastic team we have in place at the museum to make it even more successful.”
Lady Cobham has worked on a number of high-profile appointments within significant historical landmark institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Historic Royal Palaces, and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Upon her election to the Kimmeridge Trust’s board and subsequently Chairman, Lady Cobham said: “As VisitEngland chairman and frequent visitor to the Isle of Purbeck, I was excited and inspired in 2016 by the opening of The Etches Collection.
“VisitEngland were delighted to contribute towards the considerable media coverage of this globally important collection of fossils, both huge and small from the Kimmeridgian seas off the Dorset Jurassic coast some 150 million years ago.
“I am honoured to be elected chairman and thrilled to be working with the Trustees and executive team on the next stage of presenting the Collection to a myriad of audiences.
"As I know only too well, the last two years have been truly tough for the whole of the museum sector, so we shall be working hard to ensure a sustainable future for The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge.”
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