Farewell to our manager, Lynda Jackson

Our wonderful manager and leader Lynda Jackson left her role at The Judges’ Lodgings after 8 very successful years on 31st July. She was appointed in 2018, before the reopening of the museum in March 2019, and immediately put The Judges’ Lodgings on the “must visit” sites in Lancaster. Lynda has moved the museum forward and led inspirational projects involving local artists and the community as well. This has not only put the Judges’ Lodgings on the Lancashire museum map but also as a nationally forward looking museum.

Lynda has been able to get funding for many new projects including a new Welcome Gallery and updating the Gillow’s Gallery to tell the global story. Her funding skills culminated last year in the amazing National Lottery bid of £88,969 for “Judges’ Lodgings 400 – Voices from our community”. The project “Facing The Past” with artist Lela Harris, in partnership with Lancaster Black History Group, the Institute for Black Atlantic Research at the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, and local schools was ground breaking, and led to Lynda and Lela sharing their experiences with other museums including the National Trust.

She has changed the emphasis of the museum from the Judges who stayed when The Assizes were taking place at the Castle, to those who called The Judges’ Lodgings home and those who had contact with the house throughout the years.

Lynda has worked on many special events including birthday celebrations in 2025 for 400 years of the house, the annual Victorian Christmas weekend, holiday activities for children, ensuring that the museum is involved in local events including Light Up Lancaster and Dino Day, as well as encouraging more schools and groups to visit.

Lynda has made the Friends feel part of the team and the success of the museum. We have always worked closely with her and her amazing team, for the benefit of the museum and the community and to raise the museum’s profile. Lynda has supported us both by attending our events such as The Regency Ball last year, and valuing our input.

So I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the committee and all The Friends to say thank you Lynda for being a great manager to work with and thank you for your support of The Friends.

Catherine Fatkin
Chair of the Friends