AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT www.emms.org.uk

Two new reports, A New Approach to Funding Agreements, and Developing Risk Management in DCMS Sponsored Bodies, have been published by QUEST (the Culture Department's Quality, Efficiency and Standards Team). These put forward measures aimed at cutting bureaucracy and improving value for money in culture and sport. They propose a series of changes to the way the performance of Government-funded cultural and sporting bodies are measured, and to the way those organisations assess the potential risk of embarking upon new initiatives. The reports can be obtained from DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH. Tel: (020) 7211 6000.

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A new policy statement, called Better Public Buildings, has been published by the Culture Department. This states that increases in capital spending under this Government should create a real legacy of high quality buildings. Citing the regeneration of parts of UK cities such as Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow, the report stresses that good design is not only attractive and lifts the spirits, but also contributes to other goals, bringing a host of social and economic benefits. For details contact: (020) 7211 6200. Website: www.culture.gov.uk

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The first Best Value inspection reports of local authority departments are now available for downloading from the Audit Commission's website. Although none of the departments inspected so far includes museums, the reports are useful for finding out what the inspectors are looking for, and how they structure their reports. The relevant website page can be found at www.bestvalueinspection.gov.uk

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Resource has installed a new telephone system, which provides each member of staff with a direct line. The main telephone number at Queen Anne's Gate is (020) 7273 1444, and the fax number is (020) 7273 1404. There is one incoming line for general enquiries, which has a voice-mail message facility for busy times. The telephone and fax numbers at Woburn Place remain unchanged: Tel: (020) 7273 8700 and Fax: (020) 7273 8701. A full list of staff direct-line numbers can be found at: www.resource.gov.uk

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An Incident Report Form was circulated to each Registered museum with the August 2000 edition of HOT NEWS. In view of the recent bad weather, Resource is reminding museums that any incidents should be reported, so that the national picture can be monitored. Further copies of the form can be obtained from EmmS.

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The second consultation document of the East Midlands Cultural Consortium's campaign, Time for Culture, is now available for consultation. Copies have been sent to each local authority. All responses to the document are to be sent to EMCC, Nortoft Consultancy, Nortoft Cottage, Guilsborough, Northants NN6 8QB no later than the 8 December.

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Two new Content Officers have been appointed at the National Grid for Learning. Vicki Mitchell was previously Education Officer at Cartwright Hall in Bradford, and Emma Willson was Education & Outreach Officer at Soho House Museum in Birmingham. Their remit is to encourage museums and galleries to link up to the NGfL.

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A new website has been launched by the East Midlands Regional Assembly, with financial backing from BT. The site brings together all the current and proposed policies for the East Midlands, and it is hoped that it will encourage people to express their opinions, seek information about East Midlands issues and comment on policies. The site can be found at www.eastmidlandsassembly.org.uk

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1846. Deferred Export of Two Late Gothic Silver Statuettes, Painting by William Blake and oil sketch by Rubens

The export of two fifteenth-century silver reliquary statuettes of St Sebastian and St Christopher, and the pen and watercolour painting God Blessing the Seventh Day, by the major British Romantic artist, William Blake has been deferred. This ruling reflects the outstanding aesthetic value and technical quality of the reliquary statuettes and the watercolour's importance as a powerful expression of Blake's art. The deferral period, until after 23 January 2001, provides an opportunity for purchases to be made at the recommended prices of £2,015,906 for the statuette of St Sebastian, £1,792,406 for the statuette of St Christopher, and £650,000 for the painting by Blake.

The export of the oil sketch Diana and her Nymphs Hunting, by Peter Paul Rubens has been deferred because of its outstanding aesthetic importance to the nation. The deferral period, until after 3 December 2000, provides an opportunity for a purchase to be made at the recommended price of £3,133,406. If there is a serious intention to raise funds the deferral period could be extended until after 3 March 2001.

Anyone interested in making an offer to purchase the above items should contact the owners' agents through: the Secretary, the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH.

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The Conservation Register has now been handed over from the MGC to the UK Institute for Conservation (UKIC). They can be contacted on (020) 7721 8246.

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The Conservation Awards are a collaboration between Resource, English Heritage and the National Preservation Office. The objective of the Awards is to focus public attention on the importance of conservation and the skill and expertise of conservation professionals in the UK and Ireland. Entries are invited from anyone who has completed, or is due to complete, a conservation project between 1 October 1999 and 19 January 2001. Projects can be object or building based, but must be accessible or visible to the public. The deadline for applications is 19 January 2001. For more details, contact: the Awards Co-ordinator, Resource, 16 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AA. Tel: (020) 7273 1441. Website: www.resource.gov.uk

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The MPG this year will be running a research project to investigate the experiences of museum workers in the first five years of their careers. It will examine issues such as entry into the profession, student loans, low pay, short-term contracts, training and support. Findings will be published for widespread review. For details contact: Carolyn Abel, Chair, MPG, c/o Grange Museum, Neasden Lane, Neasden, London NW10 1QB. Tel: (020) 8452 8311. Fax: (020) 8208 4233. Email: carolyn_abel@hotmail.com

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To celebrate the launch of the 2001 European Year of Languages, the National Organisation for Adult Learning (NIACE) is holding a Sign Up Now week from 8 to 14 January 2001, focusing on community languages. Sign Up Now is part of a rolling programme of campaigns to support, develop and widen access to adult learning. Organisations are invited to register interest with Sign Up Now and the EYL, and to support the EYL by:

• organising events and activities which can be badged with the EYL logo
• publicising the Year and making the case for languages through newsletters or other material
• sending in details of good practice in languages learning and teaching that can be forwarded to the press.

To find out more, contact NIACE at 21 De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GE. Tel: (0116) 2044 200. Fax: (0116) 223 0050.

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ADAPT is the only voluntary agency in the UK with the sole purpose of encouraging and assisting arts and heritage venues to improve standards of access. The Trust provides grants for applications for specific items, with a maximum grant of £4,500. Applicants must provide at least 25% of the item's cost from their own or donated sources. The closing dates for applications are 31 March and 30 September annually. For more details, contact the ADAPT Trust, 8 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 5JD. Tel: (0131) 346 1999. Fax: (0131) 346 1991. Email: adapt.trust@virgin.net

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TimeBank is a new initiative "to create a national movement which will inspire people to get involved in their communities". People will 'deposit' some time with TimeBank telling them what they are interested in doing. TimeBank then gives them a list of organisations in their area that matches their interests. The scheme is a ONE20 initiative being run in partnership with BBC radio and television and supported by the Government's Active Community Unit. For further details, contact: (020) 7927 8323. Website: www.timebank.org.uk

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The British Association of Friends of Museums are offering a prize of £200 in memory of BAfM Chairman Robert Logan, to a person under the age of 30 who submits the best paper on a heritage-related subject, to be given at BAfM's Annual Conference on 14 October 2001. This year's chosen topic is Young Professional & Volunteer. Entries, to include a 200-word synopsis of the paper, should arrive no later than 1 April 2001. For further details, contact P D J Howitt-Cowan, 2 Kenmare Crescent, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1PR. Fax: (01427) 612017. Email: paul.howitt-cowan@ntlworld.com

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The Shell Foundation is a charity which was set up in June 2000 by the Royal Dutch/Shell Group. Its aim is "to support efforts world-wide to achieve the goal of sustainable development". One of the three divisions of the Foundation, the Sustainable Communities Programme, will support projects that strengthen the ability of communities and groups, particularly those suffering from the consequences of marginalisation, to improve their economic and social opportunities. The details of this programme will be finalised soon. Anyone interested can request a prospectus, by sending their name and postal address to communities@shellfoundation.org

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This Trust aims to fund community and local projects which make good use of volunteers, and which emphasise self-help, building esteem, and enabling people to reach their potential. One of the categories of projects considered by the Trust is conservation, which it defines as "the need for fine buildings, landscapes and collections to remain or become available to the general public or scholars". The project must be a registered charity or be under the auspices of one. For details contact: J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust, 1 Park Square West, London NW1 4LJ. Tel: (020) 7486 1859.

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Two new books, which are of interest to the museum sector, have recently been published by the Institute of Art and Law. Museums and the Holocaust, by Norman Palmer, analyses the legal and moral problems posed to museums and galleries by the possession of works of art which may have been looted or stolen during the Holocaust era. Cultural Heritage Statutes is a convenient volume containing all the international conventions and statutory material required for art transactions governed by English law. Both books can be obtained from the Institute of Art and Law, Bank Chambers, 121 London Road, Leicester LE2 0QT. Tel: (0116) 255 5146. Email: sales@ial.uk.com

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EDUCATION TRAINING SERIES: LEARNING FROM OBJECTS - 7 DECEMBER. This will be a practical workshop that will show you how to make the best use of your museum’s handling collection. The techniques of looking, asking appropriate questions, describing and sorting will be investigated, from which concepts such as relating structure to purpose, establishing a sense of time and problem solving will be developed.

A booking form for the above event was included with the October mailing.

EDUCATION TRAINING SERIES: PRACTICAL INTERACTIVES WORKSHOP -18 JANUARY. Hands-on exhibits are increasingly being used by museums to enliven displays. In this session we will be discussing the use of interactives and demonstrating practical ideas and techniques for making low-cost, simple, effective interactive displays that engage the visitor.

MEETING THE PUBLIC - 23 & 25 JANUARY. Life-long learning in the museum involves all staff. This seminar is aimed at front-of-house staff and volunteers who regularly meet the public in the museum. We will discuss the practical issues of understanding visitors, especially school groups, families and adult visitor groups. Topics such as group expectations, how to talk to visitors and putting the museum visit into the context of life-long learning will be covered.

Booking forms for the above events are included with this mailing.

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28 November OPEN SESAME - THE MAGIC OF ACCESS - ADAPT (Access for Disabled people to Arts Premises Today). This last in a series of Roadshows offers a unique opportunity to discuss, examine and learn about inclusive design, taking into account the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Venue: Gateshead. Cost: £20. For details contact The ADAPT Trust, 8 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 5JD. Tel: (0131) 346 1999. Fax: (0131) 346 1991. Email: adapt.trust@virgin.net

30 November MAKING THE ARGUMENTS FOR A NEW GALLERY - Midlands Federation of Museums and Art Galleries. This meeting will provide an opportunity to see the new gallery and find out from the staff how the gallery was developed. Venue: Walsall Art Gallery. Cost: £10 members and £15 non-members. For details contact: Philippa Tinsley, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU. Tel: (01902) 552 046. Fax: (01902) 552 053. Email: registra.wag@dial.pipex.com

5 December INSTITUTE OF ART AND LAW ANNUAL LECTURE. This lecture will explore the issue of repatriation of art, focusing especially on the Elgin Marbles. Venue: London. For details contact: Seminar Bookings, Institute of Art and Law, Bank Chambers, 121 London Road, Leicester LE2 0QT. Tel: (0116) 255 5146. Fax: (0116) 255 1782. Email: sales@ial.uk.com

6 December REPATRIATION OF STOLEN ART - Institute of Art and Law. This half-day seminar will build on some of the issues raised by the IAL's Annual Lecture. For contact details, see above.

8 December THE BEST INTRODUCTION OF THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE MODEL – The British Quality Foundation. This one-day course will enable you to learn about the development of the Model and work on a self-assessment exercise, using a real case study. Venue: Nottingham. Cost: £170.38 for British Quality Foundation members and £199.75 for non-members. For details contact: The British Quality Foundation, 32-34 Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2QX, (020) 7654 5000.

13 December THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT - Directory of Social Change. This conference covers how organisations can be affected by the Act, how to comply, the prospects and possibilities for its use, and how the Act can protect from actions by regulators and other state bodies. Venue: London. Cost £115 - £260. For details contact: DSC, Training & Events Department, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2DP. Tel: (020) 7209 4949. Fax: (020) 7209 4130. Email: training@dsc.org.uk

28 January - 2 February 2001 LIBRARIES, MUSEUMS AND ARCHIVES: A COLLABORATIVE VENTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGE - The British Council. This major international seminar will engage participants in addressing issues relating to how libraries, archives and museums should share their future responsibility as memory organisations. For details contact: The British Council, 1 Beaumont Place, Oxford, OX1 2PJ. Tel: (01865) 316636. Fax: (01865) 557368. Email: network.events@britishcouncil.org

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…Rose Millington who joins EmmS staff as Team Assistant, having previously held the post of Heritage Assistant at Grantham Museum.

…Samantha Peverett, who has been appointed to the new post of Education and Exhibitions Assistant at Northampton Museums and Art Gallery. She previously worked at the Prison Service museum at Newbold Revel near Rugby.

…Jacqueline Minchinton, who has been appointed to the position of Registrar at Northampton Museums and Art Gallery, having previously held the position of Documentation Assistant

…David Worthington, who has been appointed to the post of Area Service Manager (South), Policy and Standards Team, based at Grantham Museum. He previously held an arts post in Nottingham.

…Julie Allsop, who has been appointed to the post of Principal Keeper (Visitor and Community Services) at the Usher Gallery, Lincoln. She previously held the post of Principal Keeper (Visitor and Community Services) at Gainsborough Old Hall.

…Melton Carnegie Museum at Melton Mowbray who have been awarded £360,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Museum will now undergo a £500,000 refurbishment and redisplay project due for completion by summer 2002.

…the National Tramway Museum at Crich, who have received £247,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £59,000 from Resource. These grants will fund a programme to extend the museum's workshop area, install a public viewing gallery, and create a new interactive exhibition space. It is hoped that the project will reach completion in the second half of 2001.

…Daventry Museum, who have been awarded £355,882 by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This grant will part fund a £720,000 overhaul of the museum, to include an extension of the museum, an education room, and new display areas. Work will begin in summer 2001 and is due for completion in summer 2002.

…Gill Tanner, EmmS Education Adviser, who has received a Sharing Museum Skills Millennium Award, the scheme which enables museum staff and volunteers to undertake secondments in order to share, learn and apply new skills. In February, Gill will spend 6 weeks at Petworth House, West Sussex, working with the National Trust's Education Officer for the Southern Region.

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It is with regret that we report the death of Maggie Heath. After many years of working for the Derbyshire Museums Service she started her own business, Collections Care, undertaking curatorial work for museums in the Nottingham area, including the D H Lawrence Birthplace Museum, Museum of Nottingham Lace, Boots Museum, Galleries of Justice, and South Derbyshire District Council. She was also Curatorial Adviser to Papplewick Pumping Station. Maggie will be sadly missed by all her museum colleagues. Her funeral was held on Friday 17 November.

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CUMULATIVE INDEX No 1 (January 1990) - No 134 (November 2000)

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