Margaret Rayer Outstanding Contribution Award

The National Trust of Guernsey’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Preserving Guernsey’s Heritage 2026 is presented to Margaret Rayer. 

Margaret will be a familiar face to many, having devoted nearly 40 years as a volunteer at the National Trust of Guernsey’s Folk & Costume Museum, only recently stepping back from her role. She also served on the Trust’s Council for almost a decade, bringing wisdom, enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to the organisation.

Joining the National Trust of Guernsey in the 1980s, Margaret quickly developed a particular passion for the Trust’s acclaimed and significant costume collection. Amongst many other duties, she became the guardian of the Museum’s mannequins, taking immense pride in ensuring each was dressed authentically and presented to perfection. Nothing escaped her attention – from the correct arrangement of a bonnet or shawl to applying just the right touch of make-up so that each figure looked ready to greet visitors from another age. 

In truth, there was very little Margaret wouldn’t or couldn't do. Whether cataloguing archives, preparing exhibitions, welcoming visitors, supporting events, pruning the courtyard roses or watering the flower barrels, she was always there. If something needed doing, Margaret quietly got on with it. She became one of those rare people whose reliability was so constant that everyone simply assumed she would be there – and, more often than not, she was. 

Understanding that preserving heritage also requires financial support, Margaret established the National Trust of Guernsey Quiz around 30 years ago. It is still going strong today, raising on average around £2,000 each year. That means Margaret's initiative has generated approximately £60,000 for the Trust – an extraordinary achievement that has directly benefited generations of visitors and helped safeguard Guernsey's heritage. 

The quiz was never just about answering questions. For many years, Margaret and her wonderful team of helpers prepared the refreshments that became almost as famous as the competition itself. The generous Ploughman's supper was always popular, but it was the Ladies' College "Chocolate Heaven" cupcakes that achieved near-legendary status. As a much-loved Domestic Science and Sewing teacher at The Ladies' College, Margaret clearly inspired not only confident cooks and dressmakers, but also a loyal following for her baking! 

Over the years, Margaret has welcomed and mentored countless volunteers and staff. Her knowledge of the Museum, the collections and the Trust itself has been freely shared, helping successive generations understand not only what we do, but why it matters. Those of us who have had the pleasure of working alongside Margaret have long joked that she has become part of the Museum's permanent collection. The difference, of course, is that unlike the exhibits, Margaret was always busy maintaining and improving things, baking something, watering something, sewing something or gently suggesting that something might be improved. have shaped the Folk and Costume Museum in ways that cannot easily be measured. 

It would be remiss not to mention Margaret's enduring love of cats. Over the years she has shared her home with many feline companions and, if one couldn't be by her side, there was every chance she'd arrive wearing a scarf adorned with cats or carrying a handbag covered in them instead! So great is this association that, in the Museum staff office today, a little wooden cat sits permanently curled around a door surround – a quiet tribute to Margaret and one which makes Margaret feel just that little bit more at home whenever she comes to visit. Somehow, it seems entirely fitting that even the Museum has acquired its own 'resident cat' in Margaret's honour.

Margaret’s dedication has enriched this organisation, particularly The Folk and Costume Museum, beyond measure. Her kindness, generosity, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to the work of National Trust of Guernsey is greatly appreciated by Council, staff, volunteers and everyone who has benefited from her remarkable generosity over so many years.

Thank you Margaret.