The Museum of Cambridge was saddened to learn of the passing of Friend, long-time volunteer, and supporter, Alice Zeitlyn, in May. At nearly 101 she continued to support the Museum and other local causes by kitting her iconic bees. Alice’s passion for volunteering and support for her local community was reflected in her life of voluntary work. In 2008 Alice was honoured with an MBE for her service to the community in Cambridge and in 2017 Alice was presented with the Share Museums Volunteer Awards Judges’ Special Award for over 30 years of volunteering.
We have compiled memories of those who worked and volunteered alongside Alice over her many years at the Museum. She will be remembered at the Museum of Cambridge by the many people she worked with and the support she inspired in her community. The museum will also be acquiring one of her knitted bees into the collection.
Memories from former staff and volunteers of the Museum.
“I was sorry to hear about the death of Alice Zeitlyn – although she had a long life filled with activity, friends and family, it’s still sad to lose someone who gave so much to the community and people around her. Alice was a very active, loyal and generous Friend and volunteer at the Museum of Cambridge. The first time I met her I realised she was someone whose opinions and thoughts about the Museum I could and should trust and listen to, she was always motivated by what was best for the Museum, a place she loved and cherished. She ran the Museum cafe in the Enid Porter room, and knitted lovely bees to sell in the Museum shop. She faithfully attended our AGMs and supported Museum events and exhibitions. It wasn’t a real Museum occasion if Alice wasn’t there! I worked at John Lewis Cambridge during my time as Chair of Trustees, and I often saw Alice in the St Andrew’s Street entrance, looking after the Camsight stall. I would marvel at her resilience – it wasn’t a warm or comfortable place to sit for hours at a time! But she was tireless in her support for various charities and community groups across the city. The world could do with more Alices and Cambridge will certainly miss her.”
A tribute by Carolyn Ferguson, former trustee
“Alice Zeitlyn was a formidable lady and one of many talents. She was a superb knitter and specialised in making Shetland shawls that were so gossamer thin they could pass through a wedding ring. She also liked helping others with their projects and at 99 was still making baby blankets for the Hospice shop. Who also can forget the baskets of knitted bees in the Museum shop! Alice was widowed young and found endless outlets for her obvious energy. Her house in Chesterton was an example of a modernist home and how she learnt to cope with all the changes in floor level I will never know. Her tea parties were always a bit of an ordeal as we were always afraid of the steep metre drop between the sitting and dining areas. You had to sit still rather than wander round looking at the amazing collection of 19th century literature. Alice learnt and taught Braille; she ran the Museum cafe on Sundays until the cafe ceased operation; she was intensely loyal to the organisations, like the Museum, and was always a friendly face and a willing helper. At nearly 101 she had a long and productive life and we will miss her.”
A tribute by Caroline Biggs, former trustee
“Alice always brought a sense of calm, common sense and fairness to all, and there were SO many, causes she devoted her time too. A gentle quietness too to supporting a great number of people in various ways, be it teaching or just reflecting on life. A huge loss to Cambridge, but how lucky we were to have her.”
A tribute by Tamsin Wimhurst, former trustee and former member of staff
“I was just thinking about Alice the other day as I was sorting out my cupboards and came across one of the knitted chicks that she made to sell in the museum shop each year. She was such a smiley person who always seemed to see the best in life and quietly helped out with what was needed to be done. I remember when we had the cafe in the Enid Porter room and she would don a pinny serving teas and coffees with great warmth. She was a ‘national treasure’ of Cambridge.”
There will be a celebration of Alice on Thursday 24th of July, 2025 at 2pm. Please see here for more information. A tribute to Alice Zeitlyn MBE, 1924 – 2025