THE manager of one of Maldon’s premier heritage sites as stepped down after three years at the helm.

Deborah Rhodes, 67, manager at the Maeldune Heritage Centre in Maldon has announced she is retiring.

Ms Rhodes started out at the centre as a volunteer in 2014 before becoming manager in October 2015.

She said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the Maeldune Heritage Centre.

“It has been a lot of fun and I have met some amazing people.”

The centre is home to the Maldon Embroidery, made for Maldon’s own millennium in 1991.

Ms Rhodes was manager when the embroidery marked its 25th anniversary in 2016.

She said: “This was a wonderful occasion to remember the 100 people who worked on this beautiful work of art, which is as fresh and colourful today as when it was first made.

“We are very proud of our rolling exhibition programme too.

“We have a fresh exhibition every three weeks showcasing an eclectic and diverse mix of art and craft from mainly local artists and groups.”

This will be her second retirement since initially retiring from her job in London.

Trustees chair Margaret Day said Deborah transformed the centre from “a nice little place to visit” into a vibrant hub which is now firmly established on the tourist map. She added: “She accomplished this by devoting hours of hard work to promoting and publicising what we have to offer.

“She also began a drive to recruit volunteers to man the centre and we now have around 14 regulars working alongside our three paid members of staff and the manager.”

The centre is now looking for a new manager.

Responsibilities for the role include being custodian to the Maldon Embroidery, running an art gallery and crafts shop and reporting to the trustees.

The successful candidate will be required to work part time and flexible hours, managing a team of paid and volunteer staff.

Applications must be received by Friday, January 25.

For further information on the role, email info@maelduneheritagecentre.co.uk.