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The
following were the Trustees
of the Verwood Museum Trust when it was first established around
2003. An updated list of
current Trustees will be published shortly |
 The initial was CHAIRMAN:
GORDON THORNE
Gordon's
family has lived in Verwood for many
generations. He was a Director of Robert Thorne
Ltd. who donated the Potters Wheel building to the
town. He was born at the associated Pottery House when
his parents owned the business and so grew up when the
potters were still working.
He
has been active for many years in local affairs, serving on
the Parish then Town Council and becoming Verwood's first
Mayor. In 2023 he was awarded the Freedom of Verwood.
He
is pictured here outside the Potters Wheel receiving the
very first donation to the Trust from Oliver and Zoe
Wareham, two other well known local citizens, who donated
their Carnival winnings in 1996.
The
Potters' Wheel shop in the background was a late extension
to the Cross Roads Pottery (now the Heritage Centre) and has
now been demolished and replaced with the new trust cafe and
shop.
 SECRETARY:
ANN PAGE
Ann and other members of her family
have lived in Verwood for many years and contributed to
local organisations. She has now retired as a
Secondary School teacher in Poole but is still active in
school affairs. She is an enthusiastic volunteer at
the Museum of East Dorset Life (Priest's House - see
"links" page) in Wimborne where she takes part in
costumed reconstructions, especially for school parties, and
has built up a relationship with the museum staff and a
sound working knowledge of museum organisation. Ann
also has an amateur interest in archaeology and has helped
with East Dorset excavations.
Ann
actively liaises with official organisations and pursues
means of funding and advice on this and associated Trust
matters.
 TRUSTEE:
PAM REEKS
Pam
is a very familiar figure in Verwood having been a teacher
at Hillside First School for many years and continues to
visit local schools and other organisations to give talks
and slide shows. She has a wide circle of friends and
acquaintances in the area of all age groups. She is a
founder member of Verwood Historical Society and a past
Chairman. Pam is an enthusiastic collector of old
photographs, maps and documents of the area. She has heard
and recorded many fascinating reminiscences of Verwood
folk. She is also very involved with Verwood Concert
Brass and is always willing to give her time to fostering
the love of music in both young and old. Those
who know Pam will realise that the above can only be an
understatement of her interest and commitment to Verwood and
its people.
Pam Reeks BEM died in Bournemouth
Hospital on the 5th of November 2018 after a long illness. Pam was honoured with
the title "Freeman of Verwood" in December 2012 and was awarded the British
Empire Medal for services to the community in the 2014 Honours List. Her
Service was held in Verwood Methodist Church on Wednesday the 21st of November
2018 with over 300 people attending.
 TRUSTEE:
CHRISTOPHER
THORNE
Christopher was born and brought up in Verwood and, as Gordon's son, is not only
a member of the donating family but brings a younger dimension to the Trust.
As a Solicitor, he oversees the Trust's legal affairs and liaises with the
Charity Commissioners.
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Associate of the Museum Trust |
JAMES THORNE
James
has a B.Sc in Environmental Science and a Diploma in Town Planning.
His special area of interest is traditional country crafts as practised locally.
His contribution to the maintenance of the site and the early stages of
re-development was invaluable.
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