Haslemere Museum is on the hunt for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees following the sad announcement that current Chair Melanie Odell will be retiring after more than a decade of dedicated service.

Melanie Odell’s leadership legacy will be hard to match but the search for her successor marks the beginning of a pivotal new chapter for the museum.

Odell, who has led the Board on a voluntary basis since 2013, has played an integral role in preserving the museum’s legacy and shaping its future. Under her stewardship, the museum has thrived, attracting 40,000 visitors and 200 school groups annually.

Kay Topping, Education Officer at the museum, said: "Melanie has worked tirelessly in her position as Chair and previously as a Museum Trustee. She will be sorely missed.”

The new Chair will take on a crucial leadership role, acting as both an ambassador for the museum and a motivator for trustees and staff. Responsibilities will include guiding board meetings and ensuring the museum stays aligned with its mission to serve the local community and beyond.

As the museum operates as an independent charity, the ideal candidate will possess experience in charity governance, finance, and ideally the independent museums sector.

Haslemere museum, with its impressive collections of natural history and cultural artefacts, has been a key part of the town for more than 100 years.

Odell said: “The work of Chairman has been extremely enjoyable and rewarding. I will be very sorry to leave. Haslemere Museum has been a much-loved feature of our town for more than 100 years and it has been an honour to play a small part in conserving its legacy and steering it into the future.”

Interested candidates can find out more about the vacancy and how to apply by visiting the museum’s website.