On 4 October 2018 the NGRM trustees were delighted to receive confirmation from the Welsh Government that the Museum’s status as an Accredited Museum had been renewed.
‘Accreditation’ is the UK standard for museums and galleries. It defines good practice and identifies agreed standards, thereby encouraging development. It is a baseline quality standard that helps guide museums to be the best they can be, for current and future users. The scheme is managed in Wales by the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division.
While the standards apply to all museums in the UK, from large professionally-run museums such as the National Museum of Wales and the Slate Museum at Llanberis to small voluntary museums such as the NGRM, it is not a “one size fits all” model. The standards are scalable to the nature of the museum, but the basic principles apply to all.
The NGRM was first accredited under the present scheme following the completion of the new museum building, with renewal once since then. Periodic assessment has taken place this year, and the re-accreditation announced on 4th October is good to 2022. Special thanks are due to all who have helped achieve this.
Keith Theobald, Chairman of Trustees, said:
‘We were delighted to hear that we had secured re-accreditation. The assessment process was rigorous, and the result reflects enormous credit on our 40 or so loyal volunteers. We believe that we have a great museum and it is good to have that confirmed by professional assessment. We are grateful for the ongoing support from Welsh Government.’
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas said:
‘Wales can be proud of its variety of museums, preserving the nation’s heritage. They are a valuable resource for local people, and attract visitors from far and wide. We congratulate the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum on its success in demonstrating its professionalism once again.’
For further information, images and interviews please contact Andrew Nock at the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust [email protected]
