Richard Croasdale, the museum’s longest-serving volunteer and living link to Blackburn’s textile past, turned 90 – and showed no signs of slowing down.
Richard, who began volunteering almost 20 years ago, is a familiar and much-loved face at the museum, where he brings the borough’s rich industrial heritage to life. Staff, visitors and fellow volunteers gathered on Wednesday to mark his milestone birthday with gifts, cake, and a special portrait by artist Angela Foote.
Despite hitting the big 9-0, Richard didn’t take the day off. In fact, he was back on duty as usual – guiding visitors through the museum’s Lewis Textile Gallery and sharing stories from his decades working in the textile trade.
He began his career at just 15 with the British Northrop Loom Company Ltd – a name that helped make Blackburn famous around the world. Years later, when a loom arrived at the museum in pieces, it was Richard who brought it back to life – and he’s been restoring them ever since.
“I love sharing my stories – especially with young people,” Richard said. “It’s better they hear it from someone who lived it, rather than just reading it in a book.”
He’s since become an award-winning volunteer, earning accolades from both the British Museum and the local Community Volunteer Awards.
The museum’s Arts and Heritage Manager, Rebecca Johnson, summed it up: “Richard is genuinely one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.”
So if you find yourself at Blackburn Museum on a Wednesday or Thursday, look out for the man who’s spent a lifetime weaving stories and keeping history alive – and don’t forget to wish him a very happy 90th.
