Speaking at the annual Egypt Centre Awards held at the Taliesen Arts Centre, Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Ioan Richard, commented on the extraordinary skills, commitment and the positive impact the volunteers’ activities have on the local community.

He said: “We’re lucky to have fantastic facilities on our doorstep in Swansea that showcase the history not only of the city but also of the world.

“Ancient Egyptian history is a fascinating subject that really sparks the imagination and it’s a real boost for Swansea that we have one of the best centres of its kind in UK right here in the city.

“But the centre’s success wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and dedication of volunteers. I commend them for their enthusiasm and hard work.”

Amongst those recognised for their achievements were 47-year-old Sally Fung from Sketty and 26-year-old Philip Green from Swansea who were jointly awarded the overall Volunteer of the Year Award.

Sally, whose role as an educational leader and volunteer assistant education officer includes responsibility for leading school parties and helping develop new educational activities, has been a volunteer at the Centre for the past year.

She said: “I wanted to get back into work after being at home with my daughter for a few years and working at the Egypt Centre seemed like the perfect opportunity. This enabled me to work close to home with a good degree of flexibility and has given me the opportunity to really explore my passion for education and understanding different cultures such as those of Ancient Egypt.”

Sally, a former nurse and BA (Hons) Architecture graduate, now hopes to work permanently in a Museum in an education capacity.

She added: “Working with children and adults who really want to learn and explore different things is just amazing. I am currently doing an internship at the Egypt Centre and then would like to see how I can combine my passion for teaching with my love for making things.”

Phil, who is an educational leader and volunteer admin officer, has responsibility for leading schools and providing administrational support for the museum.

He said: “After completing my BA (Hons) Degree in Ancient and Medieval History at Swansea University, I was looking for something to do part-time. I first worked in a local retail shop, but my sister told me about the Egypt Centre and I applied.

“Over the past two years I have held various roles within the Centre and it is the opportunity to engage with groups and people of all ages and abilities that keeps me motivated and coming back week after week.”

Phil currently volunteers around two days per week and plans to develop his passion for history into a career in Heritage.

He added: “I’ve always been interested in history and this role is a fantastic opportunity to understand more about the history, and share the values, of Ancient Egypt with others.”

Commenting on their achievements Ashleigh Taylor, Volunteer Manager said: “Both Sally and Phil play an incredibly valuable role in inspiring people of all ages to learn more about the history, customs and traditions of Ancient Egypt. They also help to ensure that the Centre is able to offer a varied, flexible and fun programme of activities throughout the year and regularly act as mentors to our other 80 adult volunteers.” 

She added: “Volunteering is the lifeblood of the Egypt Centre which hosts around 20,000 visitors each year. I am delighted that the Centre is able to recognise the valuable contributions of all our volunteers in this way.”

Other winners include:

• Hazel Merriman, Longest Serving Volunteer
• Gaenor Marsh, one of the longest serving volunteers, who received awards for Continued Dedication and Excellence and for doing the Best Mummifications
• Peter Jones, Role Model of Volunteering and Continued Dedication and Excellence
• Katie Barrowman, 14 and Emily Evans, 16, Young Volunteers
• Emma Eacott, best Newcomer
• Tim Evans-Jones and Andrew Quirk, Best Double Act
• Gail Richards, Teachers’ Choice Award for Maths trainee teacher day
• Rosalyn Thomas, Fundraising
• Graham Carlsen, Barbara Miles, Sandra Hawkins, Sheila Nowell, Breda Regan, for Continued Dedication and Excellence

Twenty-five awards were presented overall and the awards ceremony was attended by around 150 volunteers, families, friends, and university staff. The week has also seen cake and coffee mornings for the volunteers, as well as a city centre recruitment drive for new volunteers.

More about the Egypt Centre at Swansea University and how you can become a volunteer.