TRIBUTES have been paid to Richard Muir, the long-serving Haslemere Educational Museum trustee, who has stepped down this month after more than 30 years’ loyal service.

Mr Muir served as a trustee since 1985 and continued a long line of family connection with the museum, beginning with his grandfather William Muir, who was one of the original trustees, when they were appointed in 1926.

His grandfather was also part of the sub-committee responsible for finding a new central site for a permanent museum in the town, which eventually led to its current location on the High Street.

His father Sir Edward Muir was the longest serving president of Haslemere Museum, holding the post from 1964 until 1979.

That role was combined with his chairmanship of the management committee from 1966, and je acted as a trustee from 1974. He also undertook other public work including being a member of the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries, and chairman of the Ancient Monuments Board for England.

As the third generation of his family to be involved in the museum’s management, Mr Muir (pictured above with his leaving gift) joined the management committee in 1983, becoming in turn trustee, chairman and president – all three offices held by both his father and grandfather.

In addition, he represented the museum on the Council of Surrey Record Society of which he became a vice president, on the Council of Surrey Archaeological Society, of which he was president from 1994 to 1998, and on the Committee of Surrey Local History Council. He is currently president of the Haslemere Natural History Society.

Museum chairman Melanie Odell said: “It is with regret that we accept the retirement of Richard Muir from the board of trustees of Haslemere Educational Museum.

“His service of more than 30 years has continued his family involvement with the museum since the 1920s when the museum became a formal organisation.

“His historical knowledge of the museum, Haslemere and natural history will be greatly missed, as will his gentlemanly and kind hearted manner.

“We would like to thank him for his inspiration and leadership, and together with his wife Christine, for their dedication and enthusiasm over the decades.”