| Tank
Museum Director John Woodward left The Museum
in style last night on the occasion of his retirement. |
A former Colonel in
the Royal Tank Regiment, 65 year old Mr Woodward
(Known as Woody) was escorted from The Museum
by Chairman of the Trustees, General Sir Roger Wheeler,
as two buglers from the Band of the Light Dragoons
played.
Around 100 guests, volunteers, trustees,
present and former staff had gathered for the occasion,
which saw Sir Roger Wheeler pay tribute to John's
13 years of dedicated service.
He said; "The Tank Museum has moved forward
considerably under Woody's stewardship. He has
made an enormous contribution, having been the driving
force behind making this Museum what it is today.
It is thanks to Woody that The Tank Museum not only
has a past it can be proud of, but a bright future
ahead of it."
Since 1993, John Woodward has worked to secure the
future of The Museum and its collections, most notably
by instigating the £16m development project
At Close Quarters. In January 2005, the Herritage
Lottery Fund pledged its support for the project,
awarding it £8.55m. The project is set to
be the biggest development of a tourist attraction
in Dorset's history, making an important contribution
to the local economy. Furthermore, it will dramatically
improve conditions inside the buildings making them
suitable for long term preservation of the collections,
and improve the visitor experience by modernising
amenities and exhibitions.
John was then invited to unveil a plaque naming
The Museums 'gate guard' tank "Colonel John
Woodward" in his honour.
He said; "I have enjoyed every minute of my
time here at The Tank Museum, and would like to
thank staff, volunteers and trustees both past and
present for their support. The Tank Museum is
a national treasure - and I look forward to
seeing the Museum continue to develop until it
is rightfully recognised by the public as one of
the finest in the world."
He then left the Museum in style, being driven
in the historic 1920 Rolls Royce Armoured Car, the
most valuable item in the Museums 300 strong collection. |
| ENDS |
![[image] John Woodward unveils a plaque naming the Tank Museum's `gateguard` after him. Right hand click to open large version (1.22MB) picture in new window.](images/new-images/woody1.jpg)
John Woodward (left) unveils a plaque naming the
Tank Museum's `gateguard` after him, watched by
General Sir Rogter Wheeler, Chairman of the Tustees. |
| Hi
Quality image: Right hand click on the above
picture (© Tank Museum) and click 'save target
as' (please note: large image: 1.22MB) - opens
in new window. |
![[image] John Woodward is driven from The Tank Museum in style. Right hand click to open large version (1.09MB) picture in new window.](images/new-images/woody3.jpg)
John Woodward is driven from The Tank Museum in
style in the 1920 Rolls Royce Armoured car as
the bugler strikes up once more. |
| Hi Quality image:
Right hand click on the above picture (©
Tank Museum) and click 'save target as' (please
note: large image: 1.09MB) - opens in new window |
![[image] News Section](images/header.jpg)
![[image] John Woodward unveils a plaque naming the Tank Museum's `gateguard` after him. Right hand click to open large version (1.22MB) picture in new window.](images/hiquality-images/Woody1(1.22MB).jpg)
![[image] John Woodward is driven from The Tank Museum in style. Right hand click to open large version (1.09MB) picture in new window.](images/hiquality-images/Woody3(1.09MB).jpg)