Shrewsbury museum curator steps down after 16 years

Peter Duckers said he had thoroughly enjoyed his role of caring for the collection of Shropshire military history housed at Shrewsbury Castle.

Friends and colleagues gathered to say farewell to him with a celebration, at which Mr Duckers received a specially-mounted bugle from Lieutenant Colonel Nick Jenkins OBE, former Commanding Officer 5th (Shropshire and Herefordshire) Battalion The Light Infantry.

A former book and antique shop owner, Mr Duckers, 61, from Copthorne, became the full time curator of the museum in 1997.

His role has ranged from displaying the collections of the Shropshire regiments within the castle to researching, cataloguing and writing.

"There are more than 30,000 items over three floors as well as the archives and the collection dates back to 1755," he said.

"My favourite items, and a particular interest of mine, are the medals. We have 3,500 medals including not one but three Victoria Crosses. It is finding out the personal history behind those medals and behind other objects that is so interesting."

One of his favourite roles has been helping individuals do their own family history research, with enquiries from all over the world.

"The internet has been the major change in my role over the last 16 years," he added.

"Last week for instance I was helping a family from New Zealand with family history following an e-mail."

He said the internet had also helped with his research.

"It has opened up all kind of avenues, from the national archives to personal letters, he said."

Mr Duckers added: "I think you are very lucky if you can make your hobby your profession and I have been lucky enough to make my personal interest my full time job."

Mr Duckers plans to continue his interest by researching and writing about military history.