Janet steps down as museum curator
THE CURATOR of the Old Rectory Museum has stepped down from her role.
Janet Slatter has retired from her roles as a committee member for the Loughborough Archaeological and Historical Society (LAHS) and as curator of the Old Rectory Museum.
Janet was only the second custodian of the rectory in its 60-year period as a museum, having taken over from George Lowe when he retired from the role in 2004.
As well as her 16 years as curator, Janet sat on the LAHS committee for 23 years, seven of those as chairman. Until recently, she was also chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland Heritage Forum.
Many people will remember Janet best for her “front of house” role at the Old Rectory and for the games days she staged there with Ernie and Sheila Miller.
A spokesperson said: “The unseen work she put in was phenomenal. The museum won awards and achieved accreditation during her custodianship and is in a strong position for moving forwards.”
A group of committee members gathered at the Old Rectory Museum on Saturday, August 29 to bid Janet farewell.
LAHS president Professor Martyn Bennett expressed regret that plans for a formal tribute at the annual Ian Keil lecture in April had been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but thanked Janet on the membership’s behalf for the many hours she’d devoted to maintaining and developing the Old Rectory.
In turn, Janet wished to thank all the amazing volunteers who have supported the ORM during its time in her care, as well as the many heritage professionals who’ve given herself and the society support and advice.
She admitted to looking forward to catching up with jobs around her house and garden and spending more time with her grandchildren.
Professor Bennett presented Janet with a gift from society members by way of thanks, namely a painting of the Old Rectory by artist Paul Gent as a reminder of her time there.
Janet is succeeded in the role of curator by Alison Fearn.
The Old Rectory Museum is open on Saturdays, from 11am until 3pm, from now until the end of October.
During October the LAHS Lecture series is expected to recommence.
For more details about the society see the website https:// www. loughboroughpastandpresent.org/index.htm or email oldrectorymuseumloughborough@