1800.  Regional Strategy Consultation

EmmS has begun working on the development of a new regional strategy, which will be the successor to Facing the Future: A Museum Strategy for the East Midlands 1996 - 2001. The new strategy will prioritise needs and influence how public funds are to be invested in the museums of the region. The first phase in the development of the strategy has been launched with a major public consultation exercise. Besides market research throughout the region, a number of open public meetings are planned, to which all interested parties are invited. The initial series of public meetings began on 12 September at Flintham Village Hall, and will continue on the following dates at the venues given below:

• Tuesday 19 September - Kettering Room, Corn Market Hall, Kettering, Northamptonshire

• Thursday 21 September - Old Hall, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

• Wednesday 27 September - Small Hall, Imperial Rooms, Matlock, Derbyshire

• Thursday 5 October - County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester

• Thursday 12 October - Blue Room, Arts Centre, Stamford, Lincolnshire

The aim of the meetings is to provide an opportunity for us to gauge how museum users feel about the region's museums, and how museums might better meet their needs. For further details about the regional strategy consultation exercise contact Adrian Babbidge on (0115) 985 4534.

 

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In November 1999, EmmS, together with the East Midlands Regional Archives Council and the East Midlands Regional Library System, held a conference to discuss how new cross-sectoral initiatives could be taken forward. Future Sure 2, the second annual conference for the three sectors in the East Midlands, is due to take place on Thursday 2 November at Beaumanor Hall. The conference will include an opportunity for the three sectors to contribute to the development of a proposed bid to Resource for funding from the Cross-Sectoral Challenge Fund. Invitations will be sent out nearer the time.

 

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Resource has appointed a consortium to undertake a review of the two national training organisations (NTOs) which represent the museum, archive and library sectors. The Cultural Heritage National Training Organisation (CHNTO) and the Information Services National Training Organisation (ISNTO) will help Resource to identify training needs and develop new skills programmes for the sector. The main purpose of this review is to identify how CHNTO and ISNTO might develop a closer working relationship and contribute to a new national cross-sectoral skills initiative. The initial report will be completed by December 2000, and the review is due conclude in early 2001.

 

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1803.  Acceptance in Lieu Panel

Jonathan Scott CBE FSA, a Trustee of the Victoria & Albert Museum, has been appointed by Resource as Chairman of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel (AIL). He succeeds Sir Jack Baer. In addition David Barrie, Resource Board Member, has been appointed to the Panel as the Board's representative.

 

The AIL scheme is under review to assess the effectiveness of its current arrangements and to examine how the scheme can contribute fully to the aims and objectives of Resource. The completed review is to be submitted to Resource's Board during September.

 

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1804.  Sharing Museums Skills Millennium Awards

The Sharing Museums Skills Millennium Awards Scheme, funded by the Millennium Commission has been revised. The changes to the Scheme are as follows:

• The Scheme will now accept applications from library and archives sectors, making the scheme cross-sectoral

• Two additional rounds have been added to the scheme. The new closing date is March 2002 by which time all secondments must be complete

• Applicants are now required to have three, rather than four, years of related experience

• From November of this year a more flexible approach will be adopted towards the length of secondments

• The maximum value of the Awards has been increased to £6,000 to reflect the cost implications of longer secondments

Under round seven of the Scheme a total of £80,000 was awarded. Secondments affecting the East Midlands are as follows:

• Clare van Loenen, Keeper of Art at Nottingham City Museums, who has been awarded a grant of £3,271 and will be seconded to the Victoria & Albert Museum

• Claudia Ricketts, a volunteer from Nottingham City Museums, who has been awarded £3,227 to undertake a secondment at 2 Willow Road, London for the National Trust

• Susan Thornton, Museum Assistant at Wycombe Museum, who has been awarded £2,212 to undertake a secondment at Leicester City Museums.

For further details about the scheme contact Catherine Atkinson, Awards Administrator, telephone (020) 7233 4200 or visit the Scheme's website at www.smsma.org.uk

 

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1805.  Human Rights Act

The European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), which contains seventeen basic rights, will become part of UK law from 2 October 2000. The government has been complying with the ECHR since it was ratified by the UK in 1951, but the Human Rights Act will better safeguard these rights by making them more accessible. For further details regarding the Act consult the Internet at www.homeoffice.gov.uk

 

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1806.  Individual Learning Accounts

The Department for Education & Employment (DfEE) has launched a new scheme called Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) as part of the Government's life-long learning strategy. The scheme aims to help people manage, plan and invest in their own learning. Accounts can be opened by anyone aged 19 or over who is a UK national. There are a number of incentives available under the national framework of ILAs to encourage people to open an account. These include:

• A £150 contribution for the first one million account holders who book learning, providing they contribute £25 of their own money

• 20% off the cost of a wide range of courses

• 80% off the cost of a number of specific courses including IT, literacy and basic maths up to level 2

To identify if the learning you wish to undertake is eligible for any of the incentives telephone (0800) 072 5678. For an application form telephone (0800) 072 1072, or consult the Internet: www.dfee.gov.uk/ila

 

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1807.  Culture 2000

The second call for the European Commission's funding programme Culture 2000, which aims to meet the cultural objectives set out for the Member States in the cultural sector, will be announced this autumn. The programme, which enables cultural operators to apply for funding for Europe-wide artistic and cultural projects, will continue on an annual basis until 2004. An e-mail list, Alert, has been established and will include information on the grants programme. To subscribe to the list or for further information about Culture 2000 consult the Internet at www.euclid.co.uk

 

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The final closing date for the Carnegie Grants for IT is 30 December 2000. The grants are intended to encourage the innovation and creative use of IT in independent museums. Museums must be members of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM), be fully or provisionally registered and have charitable status. Applications should be made in writing only to: The Carnegie UK Trust, Comely Park, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, KY12 7EJ.

 

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The 10^th annual Museums & Heritage Show will be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London on 7 & 8 March 2001. The event will include exhibitors from suppliers to the museums and heritage sector including design consultants, multi-media providers and curatorial and conservation services. In addition there will be a series of seminars on a variety of subjects. For information telephone The Museums & Heritage Show on (01905) 724734.

 

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Many museums use silica gel in showcases or sealed boxes to provide special environments for sensitive objects. There are two main types of silica gel: non-indicating, which is always white; and self indicating, which is blue when dry and pink when moist. The pink-blue colour change in self-indicating gel is provided by a small amount (1% by weight) of cobalt chloride. It has recently been announced that cobalt chloride has had its hazard classification reassessed by the European Commission (Directive 98/98/EC, amendment to 67/548/EEC, effective from I July 2000) and it is now classified by EU nations as a potential carcinogen by inhalation.

 

As a result, self-indicating silica gel will be labelled by manufacturers as toxic - may cause cancer by inhalation and users will be advised to avoid raising dust and use suitable, effective dust masks when handling silica gel. Latex gloves, goggles and protective clothing are also recommended. Silica gel of all types should be kept away from staff rest areas and gel should never be dried in ovens that are used for food preparation.

 

Due to the presence of cobalt chloride, which is particularly toxic to aquatic ecosystems, self-indicating silica gel will now be treated as hazardous waste and disposal should be carried out according to regulations. Self-indicating silica gel has not been banned from use. However, the new hazard classification means that all museums should reassess their use of this product and ensure staff are provided with full safety equipment for handling and drying self-indicating silica gel. Suppliers should be contacted for new Material Safety Data Sheets, or the Geejay Chemicals website can be consulted at www.geejaychemicals.co.uk

 

This Information was taken from an article written by Will Murray, Conservation officer, Scottish Museums Council.

 

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1811.  Deferred Export of Sir James Mackintosh Papers

The export of a set of papers of the political writer and philosopher Sir James Mackintosh (1765-1832) has been deferred because the papers form an integral part of an important archive of outstanding importance for the study of the intellectual and political life of the nation. The deferral period, until after 11 December 2000, gives an opportunity for a purchase to be made at or above the recommended price of £115,000. If there is a serious intention to raise funds the deferral period could be extended until after 11 March 2001.

 

Anyone wishing to make an offer should, without delay, contact the owner's agents through The Secretary, The Reviewing Committee on Export of Works of Art, DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH.

 

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1812.  Nottingham City Museums Access Guide

Nottingham City Museums has published a series of Access Guides for each of the Service's seven sites to give information to visitors with disabilities. The Guides, researched and produced in consultation with The Drawbridge Group, the Service's access advisory consultants, include general site information including a map and plan showing the exits and entrances, and details of steps and access improvements. If museums would like any further information about the guides please telephone Samantha Hunt or Sarah Clarke on (0115) 915 3687/4.

 

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In the past twelve months the following have been admitted as Associate Members of the Service:

• Sharpe's Pottery Heritage & Arts Trust

• Tideswell Local History Club

• The Friends of Towcester Museum

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EmmS has commissioned a programme of Best Value support training for its members. The programme will consist of two days of training underpinned by detailed planning, analysis and preparation. It is anticipated that those attending will have a basic understanding of Best Value, and whilst designed specifically for local authority officers, it will also be relevant to those independent museums who receive local authority support.

 

Training is to be provided by Angela Watson who was seconded to the Audit Commission in 1998 to develop inspection standards for Arts and Museums. Angela is still working for the Commission on cultural standards and training the Best Value Inspectors. Please note the early closing date for this seminar and the fee. This is due to the fact that we have commissioned Angela Watson who we feel will bring great value to the training and be in a position to answer all your queries.

 

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SATURDAY SPECIAL - ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING - 21 OCTOBER. This course will show why environmental monitoring is important, familiarise delegates with the current range of available equipment and look at how environmental data can be interpreted and acted on. Delegates will undertake practical sessions with a range of monitoring equipment, discuss case studies and learn how to use and calibrate equipment. A booking form for this event was included with the August mailing.

 

WRITING AN EDUCATION POLICY - 26 OCTOBER. Writing an Education Policy is an essential process for any museum. We will be considering how the policy will fit in with the wider museum forward plan and how to make it a practical and dynamic document. Techniques for the development of the policy from current practice will be discussed. Attendance at this event will give you the tools to start putting your own policy together, or to review and improve your existing one.

 

DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO LIFE-LONG LEARNING - 16 NOVEMBER. At this seminar, we will discuss the current concepts of Life-Long Learning and The Learning Society. Many different ways of developing your museum’s educational role will be considered, such as pre-school visits, school groups, the use of Freelance Educators, working with disability groups, family visits and reminiscence. We will look at examples of best practice that can be used in your museum to enhance the educational experience for all your visitors, of whatever age and ability.

 

Booking forms for these two events are included with this mailing.

 

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6 - 8 October FAMILY LEARNING WEEKEND - Co-ordinated by the Campaign for Learning

 

11 October LIVING HISTORY & STORY TELLING IN MUSEUM EDUCATION - Group for Education in Museums. This day will include training from a professional storyteller and a look at good practice in the use of role-play and living history. Venue: The Black Country Living Museum, Dudley. Cost: £5. For details contact: Kirsty Sherwood, Tamworth Castle Museum, The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7LR. Tel: (01827) 709632.

 

11 October CHANGING ROOMS - Social History Curators Group. Museums are increasingly associated with economic regeneration, social inclusion and access. What was once traditional historic house displays may now be a local history gallery, community museum or a venue for local groups. Venue: The Discovery Centre. Cost: £14 (£24 non-members), £8 un-waged members. Two free places and travel to the seminar within the UK will be reserved for SHCG members. For details contact: Stephen Lowy, 144 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1RZ. Tel: (0121) 303 1657. Fax: (0121) 303 1393. Internet: www.shcg.org.uk

 

26 October HOW TO IDENTIFY WATCHAMACALLITS! - Social History Curators Group. This seminar will look at the principles of identification, identifying materials and identifying by subject area. The day will provide chances to try out new skills by taking part in mock identification exercises. Venue: Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery. Cost: £14 (£24 non-members), £8 un-waged members. Two free places and travel to the seminar within the UK will be reserved for SHCG members. For details contact: Catherine Nisbet, Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, WS10 7DF. Tel: (0121) 556 0683. Fax: (0121) 505 1625. Internet: www.shcg.org.uk

 

1 November MAPS & PLANS: CASE STUDIES TO COLLECTION CARE - Society of Archivists. The aim of this event is to review current conservation techniques and the preservation of maps and plans and consider the implications when dealing with the collection as a whole. Venue: London. Cost: £58, £70 non-members. For details contact: SoA, 40 Northampton Road, London, EC1R 0HB. Tel: (020) 7278 8630. E-mail: societyofarchivists@archives.org.uk

 

7 - 8 November MANAGING VOLUNTEERS - Directory of Social Change. This is an introduction to good volunteer management, which will help equip participants with the essentials to run a successful team of volunteers. Venue: Birmingham. Cost: £135. For details contact: Directory of Social Change, Federation House, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BW. Tel: (0151) 708 0117. Fax: (0151) 708 0139. Internet: www.dsc.org.uk

9-11 November MUSEUM TRADING CONVENTION - The Museum Trading & Publishing Group. This event is aimed at all those concerned with generating income through trading at non-profit visitor attractions and will cover subjects from product development for small museums to on-line shopping. Venue: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon. Cost: £35, £55 associate members, £75 non-members. For details contact: Mary Done, Convention Co-ordinator. Tel: (020) 8332 5615. Fax: (020) 332 5632. E-mail: m.done@rbgkew.org.uk

 

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…Julie Allsop, at Gainsborough Old Hall, on her promotion to Principal Keeper - Visitor & Community Services.

 

…the Friends of Church Farm Museum, Skegness for a grant of £2,830 from Awards for All to undertake an oral history project.

 

…the Flintham Society for a grant of £3,864 from Awards for All to produce packs on tracing the history of your house, photographic workshops and an exhibition.

 

…Green's Mill & Science Centre, Nottingham for £44,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund towards a site development project.

 

…Leicester City Museums for a grant from the Resource/V&A Purchase Grant Fund for the acquisition of two paintings.

 

…Newstead Abbey for a grant of £2,570 from Woodmansterne Art Conservation Awards to undertake conservation work to two paintings by Peter Tillemans which were purchased in 1999.

 

…Susan Fell, Assistant Keeper (Projects) at Leicestershire Museums, Arts & Records Service, and Clare Pope, Assistant Curator at Mansfield Museum & Art Gallery, who have both successfully completed their AMA.

CUMULATIVE INDEX No 1 (January 1990) - No 132 (September 2000)

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