The first half of this year has seen the re-energising of the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum (FoBM). They had difficulty coming through the pandemic, with some concerns about future viability, but the Annual General Meeting in November 2023 appointed a new committee who are determined to ensure the continuation of this organisation. This year they have published two e-newsletters for members and have agreed a series of four events.
In early May, Judith Goodall gave a fascinating presentation on her role as a volunteer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. She spoke about the training that she has had as well as relaying the stories of some of the military personnel buried in local graveyards.
In July, fortunately on one of the few ‘summer days’, the Friends ran ‘Alpacas on a Summer Evening’. Over 160 people went to see the star guests, the Oriontree Alpacas, in the museum gardens. Picnics were eaten, cake was bought, garden games, activities and quizzes inspired by the worlds of Jane Austen and Bridgerton were enjoyed by young and not so young and raffle prizes were won.
Now the move into autumn. They will be holding their AGM in the Museum on Thursday 17th October. The evening will be a double header as it will combine the AGM with a private viewing of treasures not normally on display. Museum staff will be on hand to show and talk about a selection of hats and bonnets and vintage toys and games. The evening will begin with the AGM at 7.00pm followed by the private viewing from 7.30pm.
If you would like to know more about The Friends, what they do or would like to join them, please drop them an email to fobm.membership@gmail.com.