Museum welcomes new president

Former Havant MP Lord David Willetts, who is the president of Emsworth Museum, with chairman Tony Stimson Picture: Keith Woodland (170437-004)

Lord David Willetts, the former MP for Havant, has been made the president of Emsworth Museum and he made his first visit there in his new role on Saturday.

Scores of the museum’s volunteers were there to show him their work.

Chairman of the Emsworth Maritime & Historical Trust, which runs the museum, Tony Stimson said: ‘This was the first opportunity we have had to invite him here in his new role of president. He hadn’t seen it for a quite a few years so he noticed a few changes.’

Lord Willetts has taken over the role after former president Margaret Rule, who led the project to raise the Mary Rose from the Solent, died in 2015.

Curator Philip Magrath said: ‘For a small community like Emsworth to have a museum like this that is vibrant and entirely run by volunteers really is the jewel in its crown.’

Volunteer Dorothy Bone said: ‘Lord Willetts has been a supporter of the museum for many years. We are delighted that he is our new president’

She also thanked the museum’s sponsors; Addison Law, Borland & Borland and Henry Adams.