If anyone represents the spirit of Shildon, and the story we try to tell, it is Peter. Coming from a railway family, Peter was once employed in Shildon Works, where Locomotion now stands. His attachment to the site has cultivated a profound loyalty for the museum – a volunteer for 15 years, he simply never left!
He readily takes on the responsibility of endearing people to the museum upon their arrival and will provide tours for various audiences, whether they be staff, representatives from our partnerships, community groups or independent visitors. Always putting the visitor first, he endeavours to ensure that everyone has a memorable time at Locomotion. More recently, he has sought to bring this enthusiasm to even more people, helping us deliver our outreach sessions in local care homes.
Peter can talk about life in the town and what it was like to work in the world’s largest wagon works to every audience. He relishes sharing these insights into the past with children and young visitors, and listens attentively to those who have their own tale to tell. He embodies our organisation’s mission to ‘share authentic stories’, to embed the human connection into every visitor’s experience. Indeed, in our feedback his name is one that is most mentioned by visitors, and regulars often ask for him.
Eager to learn more and help us improve, he recently completed his engaging audiences training. He also jumped at the opportunity to use iPads and 360-degree photography to give our visitors the chance to see into parts of our vehicles that are normally hidden from view which has been well received.
Peter’s love for Locomotion, his desire to engage with every visitor, and his willingness to train and mentor new volunteers – instilling within them the same ethos – make him our superstar.