At DTM Legal, we are proud to spotlight our team members who dedicate their time and expertise to causes that make a real difference in the community. This time, we’re celebrating Guy Thomas, Partner in our Construction & Engineering team, for his outstanding commitment as a Trustee of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn.
From Construction Law to Cultural Conservation
Guy first became involved with Norton Priory back in 2014, when the Museum was awarded significant lottery funding for a major rebuild. With both construction and legal expertise under his belt, he was approached to lend his skills to the project.
“I had the expertise they required and volunteering was suggested to me,” Guy explains. “The priory is a beautiful part of our heritage, and I had a feeling of ‘if not me, then who’.”
Since January 2014, he has served as a Trustee, typically attending quarterly meetings, helping to guide the Trust in preserving and promoting what is recognised as “the most excavated monastic site in Europe.”
Why It Matters
For Guy, the most rewarding part of volunteering is knowing he is helping to safeguard an 800-year-old historic site for future generations. “If the Trustees, staff, and volunteers were not available, the site would almost certainly be gone forever,” he says.
The Trust’s work goes far beyond preservation. It provides a space where history, culture, and community come together, hosting exhibitions, events, and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
One standout moment for Guy was the Luke Jerram Mars exhibition, installed in the Museum’s main entrance. “It was pretty impressive. If you get a chance to see his exhibitions, do.”
Lessons in Volunteering
Guy admits he never expected to become a volunteer at Norton Priory, but the experience has reshaped his understanding of giving back. “Volunteering doesn’t need to involve giving up all of your free time. Each volunteer contributes what they can, whether that is knowledge or energy, and the collective sum of everyone’s efforts can result in something great.
If you find something that you believe in supporting, offering what you can – however big or small – is well worth doing. If everyone volunteers a small bit, a whole lot can be achieved.”
One particularly memorable experience came during the opening of the new Museum, when Guy met Richard Brooke, a descendant of the Brooke family, the 12th Baronet of Norton Priory, now also a Trustee. “He is a decent chap and I have yet to meet his wife, Sarah Montague, of Radio 4 fame,” he adds.
For those thinking about volunteering but unsure where to start, Guy’s advice is simple: “Find an organisation you like or have an interest in and find a way to help support them. If it is a charity they will be looking for volunteers or trustees”.
Get Involved
If you’d like to support Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, the best place to start is by visiting in person and experiencing its rich history first-hand.
