Colchester Museums Development Foundation (CMDF) is pleased to announce a £100,000 donation from GreyFriars, the luxury hotel and restaurant located in the centre of Colchester’s Cultural Quarter – just down East Hill from Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum. The donation will support new roles and initiatives across the three museums designed to promote inclusive career opportunities in the heritage sector.
The funds will be used over two years to establish a new Collections and Learning Assistant role, as well as to launch the GreyFriars Apprenticeship Scheme.
The new Collections and Learning Assistant post will work across both the Collections and Learning teams at Colchester Museums, helping to develop and deliver enhanced public programmes. The role will also support the development of a refreshed learning offer at the Natural History Museum, which is undergoing redevelopment made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The GreyFriars Apprenticeship Scheme builds on an established partnership with the Market Field SEND College in Tendring, where students currently undertake regular work placements at Colchester’s museums. The new scheme will offer paid, year-long apprenticeships to one or two college leavers annually, giving them practical experience and insight into careers in the museum and heritage sectors.
Sophie Weaver, Chair of CMDF, said: “Colchester Museums Development Foundation and Colchester Museums are incredibly grateful for this generous support. It will enable us to reach out further to the communities we serve and give greater opportunities for their engagement with the collections.”
A spokesperson for Market Field College, said: “We are so excited to be building on an already wonderful relationship with Colchester Museums thanks to this support. It will undoubtedly have a significant impact on future career prospects for the college leavers involved. Our partnership with Colchester Museums is a true testament to the impact that museums can have by supporting their communities in new and innovative ways.”
Cllr Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “This is a brilliant example of how local partnerships can make a meaningful difference. GreyFriars’ generosity will not only help strengthen our museum service but also create new, inclusive opportunities for young people in Colchester and Tendring. It’s exactly the kind of initiative we want to see – one that connects heritage with community and future potential.”
CMDF is the charitable arm of Colchester Museums Service, supporting Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum. The foundation focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and engagement with the museums’ collections through community collaboration and educational initiatives.
Page last reviewed: 22 May 2025