In 2006 Dr David Longbourne was named Wiltshire Museums Volunteer of The Year for his work at Mere Museum which was opened in May 1970 along with Colin Anderson.
The award, made by Wiltshire County Council, recognised the efforts and achievements of the volunteers who devote a huge amount of time and energy in helping to run Wiltshire’s museums.
In 1978 Dr. Longbourne was appointed Chairman of Mere Museum and in 1989/90 Colin Anderson suggested a group called the Friends of Mere Museum could be formed to help raise funds to support the museum.
In 1982 Dr. Longbourne took on the role of Curator (as he was no longer chairman) and remained so until 2007.
Dr Longbourne worked for Mere Museum for more than 50 years, and was curator for 25 of those. He was the discerning collector of most of the museum’s artefacts and photographs, which provide Mere with comprehensive physical evidence of large parts of its history.
His dedication and enthusiasm gained him national recognition in 2002 when he was awarded an MBE for his services to the community in Mere, including to Mere Museum. Mere Museum said in its nomination: “David is Mere Museum but now, approaching his 80th birthday and after 36 years of service, he has indicated his wish to retire.
Dr Longbourne received a prize, a certificate and cheque for £250 to further the work of volunteers at the museum.
Dr Longbourne, said at the time: “I feel greatly honoured to have been chosen as Wiltshire Museums Volunteer of the Year 2006.
“Without the help of those other volunteers associated with Mere Museum I can say that I could not have won this award and I hope they will feel that they are sharing in it.
His encyclopaedic knowledge of Mere’s history was acknowledged when he was invited to write The Book of Mere which was published in 2004.
The Museum is indebted to Dr Longbourne for his dedication in setting up what is now a wonderful collection of Mere’s past.
Rose Heesom Hon Curator