A POOLE couple are set to retire at the end of the month after welcoming thousands of people to the Purbeck Mining Museum over the years.

Sue and Derek Double of Poole are stepping back from the clay face after many years greeting and advising visitors to the increasingly popular heritage attraction that is part of the Swanage Railway, the Purbeck Mining Museum near Norden.

Sue originally joined the museum’s team of volunteers in 2014, when the attraction was very much in its infancy, and received a 10-year long service award at a special meeting of volunteers last November.

Her husband, Derek, began working as a volunteer ticket inspector on the Swanage Railway in 2001 and moved over to join his wife as part of the front of house team at the Purbeck Mining Museum seven years ago.

He will be receiving a 25-year long service award from the Swanage Railway later this year.

“Both Sue and Derek deserve wholesome praise for providing such a warm welcome to visitors over many years,” says Peter Sills, chairman of the Purbeck Mining Museum.

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“Their passion and commitment has been infectious for visitors and fellow volunteers alike, and we are indebted to the huge contribution they have made in helping to drive footfall and ensure every visitor – both young and old – enjoys their visit to the museum.

“On behalf of all of the museum’s volunteers, I wish them a long, healthy and happy retirement.”

In recent years the couple have taken the bus from Parkstone to Poole and then on to Norden to carry out their duties, opening the gates to the museum and greeting the growing number of visitors.

For many years, they were joined by Alfie, their much-loved and very popular dog, who they sadly lost last year.

“Being so actively involved in such an interesting attraction has been really rewarding,” said Derek, who was previously an insurance officer with both Hampshire and Dorset Police.

“We’ve loved every minute! I originally moved over to the museum on a temporary basis following an operation on my leg, but it suited us both – and Alfie! – and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay.”

“I’ve really loved meeting so many people from all over the world during my time at the museum,” Sue said.

“It really has been a joy to be part of such a friendly and committed team and to provide both local people and those from much further afield with insight and experiences that really shine the light on Purbeck’s industrial heritage.

“Although we’re now stepping back from frontline duties, I am sure we will continue to watch the museum’s continued development with interest and, health permitting, I do hope we can help out the team from time to time.”

More information about the museum and further details on the roles and opportunities for volunteers are available at www.purbeckminingmuseum.org.

The Purbeck Mining Museum is housed in an authentic and recreated mine building at Purbeck Park near Norden station on the Swanage Railway and is open most days from 11am to 4pm.

Full details of opening times are available on the museum’s website.