Press Releases

Alun's working shoes are most definitely staying on!

Normally when we reach age 65 we are getting ready to say goodbye to the world of work and prepare for a long happy retirement, but not Alun Jones!

In light of the new retirement age legislation introduced on October 1, Alun, from West Cross, is the first member of staff at Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales to take advantage of the new policy and continue working post-65.

Alun, who reached 65 on Thursday 6 October, has spent more than 14 years working for Amguedda Cymru-National Museum Wales. He first joined the organisation in 1997 as a Museum Guide at St Fagans: National History Museum, before successfully becoming part of a brand new team as Senior Gallery Assistant at the National Waterfront Museum when it opened in October 2005.

“I’m delighted to have the option to continue working at the Museum,” said Alun.  “I thoroughly enjoy coming into work and everyday is completely different, whether it’s meeting new people or helping to coordinate events and exhibitions."

But Alun’s passion for culture and heritage doesn’t stop with museums - he recently completed the Swansea Bay Celtic Wave tourist guiding course and is now classed as an official guide to Swansea Bay. He said: “It was a challenging course, but well worth it as it fully prepared us to show groups and cruise tourists around this amazing part of Wales.”

“Alun’s passion for the National Waterfront Museum and indeed museums generally is second to none,” said Head of Museum, Steph Mastoris.  “He continually gives 110% to the job and really does fly the flag for us in the city and beyond. He’s a great member of the team and we’re all delighted he’s decided to stay with us for a bit longer.”

Lynda Shickell, Alun’s line manager said: “Alun’s commitment and support to the front of team and all other departments is invaluable.  His quirky sense of humour, thoughtfulness and flexibility is the cement that holds the team together.”

In his spare time, Alun enjoys visiting various attractions across the globe - he particularly loves to visit National Museums Scotland and spends many weekends browsing the galleries of the British Museum, Tate and V&A.

Before his Museum career, Alun spent more than 25 years as an Art teacher working across secondary schools in London, Hastings and South Wales.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange a photo opportunity, please contact Marie Szymonski on 01792 638970.

Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales introduced a new retirement policy following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Repeal of Retirement Age Provisions) Regulations 2011.  From 1 October 2011, the Museum no longer has a compulsory retirement age - a retirement date is now very much a decision for the individual rather than the organisation.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales sites is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.

National Museum Cardiff

St Fagans:National History Museum

National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon

Big Pit:National Coal Museum

National Wool Museum, Dre-fach

National Slate Museum, Llanberis

National Waterfront Museum, Swansea