A volunteer described as a 'remarkable role model' has won a prestigious award.
Lizzie Wiscombe, who is partially sighted, is a familiar face at Lyme Regis Museum where she welcomes visitors, along with her guide dog, Baden.
Lyme through and through, Lizzie became Kate Winslet's unofficial voice coach when the star filmed Ammonite in the town a few years ago.
She also delivers living history sessions, mentors and trains new volunteers, and helps with museum events such as fossil polishing.
In her spare time Lizzie crafts Dorset Buttons which she donates to the museum shop to sell.
She has now been recognised after winning the Marsh Award for Volunteering.
The awards, run by the Marsh Charitable Trust, recognise the outstanding contributions that volunteers make to museum learning across the country.
Lizzie, who has supported the museum for more than 10 years, was joint winner of the award for the south west.
She travelled with Baden to the ceremony at the British Museum to collect her award from Brian Marsh and British Museum trustee Clarissa Farr.
She was accompanied by volunteer Lin Paterson and Lyme Regis Museum director Bridget Houseago.
READ: Book belonging to Mary Anning returned to Lyme Regis Museum
Mrs Houseago said: “Lizzie is a remarkable role model and stalwart volunteer. Despite many challenges, she has an outstanding positive attitude, is a resolute and dependable volunteer and invaluable member of our team.
"We are so delighted that her dedication has been recognised with this prestigious award.”
When the film 'Ammonite' was filmed in Lyme in 2019, starring Kate Winslet as Mary Anning, Lizzie became the British star's unofficial voice coach for the film.
Experts at the museum were already working with the film crew as technical advisors when they were asked if they knew someone who could help Kate Winslet perfect the Dorset accent. Lizzie, who was born and bred in Lyme, was the perfect person for the job and was very happy to volunteer.
Jonathan Evans, chair of the trustees at Lyme Regis Museum, added: “It’s great to see this well-deserved recognition for Lizzie herself and also for the invaluable volunteer team at Lyme Regis Museum.
"Smaller independent museums such as ours could not survive without the support of our volunteers who staff the front desk, conduct research, aid with curation and help with a wide range of other activities.
"Our volunteers come from very diverse backgrounds and all bring their experience and energy to the museum team. Congratulations Lizzie (and Baden).”
To find out more about volunteering at the museum, contact museum@lymeregismuseum.co.uk, or call 01297 443370 or just pop in for a chat.
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