A well-respected education officer for Ely Museum has retired after 16 years of service.

A farewell gathering was organised for Sally Austin where trustees, staff and volunteers wished her a happy retirement.

She was also presented with gifts.

Cllr Elisabeth Every, who is also a trustee of Ely Museum, shared some words on behalf of the trustees.

Curator Elie Hughes also made a presentation on behalf of the staff.

Mike Rouse, former Mayor of Ely who also attended the event, said: “It was lovely that her three children could attend and see with how much respect and affection Sally is held by everyone involved with our museum.”

Ely Standard: Sally Austin (in yellow) has retired after working at Ely Museum for 16 years.Sally Austin (in yellow) has retired after working at Ely Museum for 16 years. (Image: Michael Rouse)

The gathering was held on July 21.

Ely Museum reopened in May following a £2.2m redevelopment.

The team anticipated the work would take 13 months to complete when the museum closed in September 2019. But the Covid pandemic extended its overall closure to 21 months.