On Wednesday 9 November, 32 Stewards, together with Committee Members, gathered for their traditional end of season get-together at the Museum.
They were welcomed by Chairman, Roger Radcliffe, who read a message from Rota Co-ordinator, John Oaksford. He reported that there had been a continuous improvement in the rota over the season, with new volunteers coming forward. He was very grateful to Gareth Johnson for filling gaps in the rota so willingly.
Roger Radcliffe said visitor numbers were slightly down, perhaps because of the hot summer. The busiest day had been 22 August with 63 visitors. One column in the Visitors’ Book asked: “How did you hear of us?”. Many cited the notice boards at the gate, 29% came following a recommendation and many were repeat visitors.
Shop Manager, Mike Furness, revealed the winners of the light-hearted competition for the days generating the most sales. The Bronze position with £1365 were the Friday Fireballs, in Silver with £1375 were the Wednesday Wonders, and in Gold with £12385 were the Thursday Titans. The sale of goods had generated £10,206, with donations totalling £1244 and Membership subscriptions £290. An appreciative round of applause greeted the end of Mike’s report.
Clare Murton, Curator, thanked all the Stewards for coping with the technology. She reported that the Museum would be helping celebrate the bicentenary of Passmore Edwards’ birth in 2023, and that £1412 had been raised so far to purchase the Elizabeth Opie portrait by her brother, John Opie, with more donations pledged. The Museum needed an up-to-date valuation of the painting.
Refreshments were arranged by Membership Secretary, Mary Wilson.