THE manager of Maldon's heritage venue is stepping down after four years in the role.
Lynda O’Brien is retiring as manager of the Maeldune Heritage Centre to spend more time with her family and friends.
She started as a volunteer in 2018 before becoming manager a year later. 
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Ms O’Brien said: "The past four years at the Maeldune Heritage Centre had many delights and challenges.
"It has been a pleasure and privilege to assist the Maeldune Trust as custodians of the Maldon Embroidery and to keep local history alive.
"Leading a dedicated team of craft shop volunteers and Maldon ambassadors, who have been a pleasure to work with, has been extremely rewarding.
"The local artists and craftspeople are truly amazing and seeing their work demonstrates the talent we have in Maldon.
Ms O’Brien had a keen interest in Maldon's history, and managing a heritage site soon developed into a passion.
She describes it as a "desire to spread the word that Maldon is indeed a hidden gem".
In 2022, Ms O’Brien was nominated for a Pride of Maldon Award and received the arts and culture award for her positive energy and commitment to developing the centre into a cultural and artistic hub for the town.
Maeldune Trust chair Jill Hipsey said: "Lynda has gone over and above her duties to ensure that the centre continues to grow.
"It really is a vibrant hub which is now firmly established on the tourist map.
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"The centre is volunteer-led and Lynda has ensured that the volunteers, who we rely on and are our greatest asset, are trained and kept informed to ensure the smooth daily running of the centre.
"Lynda accomplished this by devoting hours of hard work to promoting and publicising what we have to offer.
"This will be Lynda’s second retirement since initially retiring from her job in Chelmsford in 2018.
"The trust are of course now looking for a new manager."
For information on the role, and how to apply email: info@maelduneheritagecentre.co.uk.
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