Remembering Barbara Bullen

We are very shocked and saddened to hear that Barbara Bullen, a long time VSA and friend of the Museum passed away on the 12th October.  Indivdually and as a service we will miss her deeply. We all have fond memories of her professionalism, warmth, kindness and humour, whilst working here at the front desk, where we all regarded her as a friend, as well as a colleague. She loved the Museums and the history of the town,  and this came across in everything that she did.

The following is a tribute written by her colleague, Jacky Birch.

“After Barbara retired from the Museum Service, she volunteered at the British Schools Museum in Queen Street, where she could be found reading her book, while on Headmaster’s House-sitting duties or at the reception desk. She also helped at various evening events, and was a regular at our monthly team meetings. She was present at the October meeting on the Monday before she died. Barbara was always cheerful, with a smile on her face, and will be sadly missed at the British Schools Museum” (Jacky Birch, Admin Asst, British Schools Museum, Hitchin Museum VSA”

Gill Marshall, who worked with Barbara at Letchworth Museum, has this to say about her.

“I first met Barbara over 5 years ago at Letchworth Museum and have worked with her at both museums. She had quite a dry sense of humour and we shared many a giggle. When my mother was dying, she sent me a poem to my house, which she said had helped her through her beloved husband’s passing. That act of kindness will stay with me forever. God bless you Barbara”.